A majority of Germans are calling for increased pressure on the Israeli government. According to a recent Forsa poll conducted for RTL and Stern, 58 percent of citizens believe that the German government should exert more pressure on Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration than it has previously, in order to persuade it to change its policies. Conversely, 33 percent-mostly supporters of the AfD party-do not think this should happen. Nine percent of respondents offered no opinion.
The Israeli government has long faced international criticism for its policies toward Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. In particular, statements made by security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir have drawn criticism for being racist. Ben-Gvir was criticized for calling for targeted killings of Palestinians.
Traditionally, German politicians have been reserved in their criticism of Israel, often citing a unique responsibility related to the Holocaust. However, the federal government appears to be shifting its stance, showing openness to sanctions against the far-right security minister, Ben-Gvir. Discussions about sanctions against the Israeli politician have been ongoing at the EU level for years, most recently at the summit in June. Implementing these sanctions requires a unanimous vote from all Member States in the EU Council. While some individual member states have already taken action, imposing entry bans on him, including Ireland, France, Spain, and Slovenia.
This shift in attitude appears to be broadly supported by the German population-with 59 percent in the West and 57 percent in the East. Among CDU/CSU and SPD supporters, 67 percent each deemed increased pressure appropriate. Furthermore, three quarters (75 percent) of those who align with the Green Party advocate for a much tougher stance toward Israel.
