German and Arab perceptions of Middle East policy

Public opinion regarding Germany’s role and perception in the Middle East has been highlighted through recent studies. A Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung study found that Germany maintains high approval ratings in several Arab nations, with particularly strong support in Syria and Tunisia. In Syria, 27 percent of respondents identified Chancellor Friedrich Merz as the European leader with the best Middle East policy.

The same study noted that Israel was identified as the greatest regional security threat by majorities in Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Tunisia, the Palestinian territories, and Egypt. Additionally, support for a two-state solution is declining among younger populations in the Palestinian territories.

In Germany, domestic sentiment is shifting regarding the government’s relationship with Israel. A Forsa poll indicates that 58 percent of German citizens believe the federal government should exert more pressure on the Israeli government to change its policies. This sentiment is consistent across both East and West Germany, with higher support among Green Party members and supporters of the CDU/CSU and SPD. This comes amid international criticism of Israeli government actions and rhetoric from National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.