A YouGov survey reveals that public support and sympathy for Israel in western Europe have fallen to their lowest recorded levels, with fewer than a fifth of respondents in six countries holding a favorable opinion. This decline is attributed to Israel's ongoing offensive in Gaza and the accompanying humanitarian blockade. Net favorability is at its lowest in Germany, France, Denmark, Italy, and Spain, and near its lowest in the UK. The survey also indicates a decrease in the number of Western Europeans who view Israel's military operations as justified and an increase in sympathy for the Palestinian side.
Public support for Israel in western Europe at lowest ever recorded by YouGov
IsraelIsrael-Gaza warGazaEuropeSocietyPalestinian territoriesWorldMiddle East and north Africa
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️A YouGov survey reveals that public support and sympathy for Israel in western Europe have fallen to their lowest recorded levels, with fewer than a fifth of respondents in six countries holding a favorable opinion. This decline is attributed to Israel's ongoing offensive in Gaza and the accompanying humanitarian blockade. Net favorability is at its lowest in Germany, France, Denmark, Italy, and Spain, and near its lowest in the UK. The survey also indicates a decrease in the number of Western Europeans who view Israel's military operations as justified and an increase in sympathy for the Palestinian side.
Trending- 1 2016: YouGov polling on Israel favourability began
- 2 March 2022: Pew Research Centre survey on US views of Israel
- 3 October 7, 2023: Hamas attack on Israel
- 4 October 2023: Earlier YouGov survey on Israel's actions
- 5 Late 2023: UK net favourability for Israel at -49
- 6 Mid-March (likely 2025): Israel broke a previous ceasefire
- 7 Last month (likely May 2025): Data for Progress survey on US voters
- 8 April (likely 2025): Pew Research Centre survey on US views of Israel
- 9 June 3, 2025: YouGov survey results published
- Lowest ever recorded public support for Israel in Western Europe
- Increased sympathy for the Palestinian side
- Decreased belief in the justification of Israel's military operations
- Expectations for lasting peace in the Middle East have fallen
What: Public support and sympathy for Israel in western Europe have reached their lowest recorded levels, according to a YouGov survey. Fewer than 20% of respondents in six countries hold a favorable opinion. Net favorability is at record lows in Germany, France, Denmark, Italy, and Spain, and near a low in the UK. The survey also shows declining justification for Israel's military operations and increased sympathy for Palestinians.
When: Published June 3, 2025. Survey data from 2016 (start of polling), October 2023 (Hamas attacks), late 2023, March 2022 (Pew Research Centre data), and last month (Data for Progress survey).
Where: Western Europe (Germany, France, Denmark, Italy, Spain, UK), Gaza, Palestinian territories, Middle East, United States.
Why: Due to Israel's ongoing offensive in Gaza, resumed after breaking a ceasefire in mid-March, and the accompanying humanitarian blockade leading to famine-like conditions. This is in retaliation for the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
How: YouGov conducted a survey across six Western European countries (Germany, France, Denmark, Italy, Spain, UK) to gauge public opinion on Israel. The results were compared with previous polls.