A new survey indicates that 6 out of 10 Europeans view Israel as a greater threat to world peace than North Korea, Iran, and Afghanistan. Parts of the findings from this survey, commissioned by the European Commission, were published on Friday in the Herald Tribune. 59% of the 7,500 Europeans surveyed identified Israel as the primary country that could threaten global peace. The Simon Wiesenthal Center, established in memory of the Holocaust – the mass extermination of Jews by Germans during World War II – labeled the survey results as racist. The survey also revealed that about two-thirds of respondents believe the war in Iraq was unjustified and that the United States should bear the full cost of its reconstruction.
❓ Unknown
6 out of 10 Europeans consider Israel a threat to world peace
Feb 9, 2026
February 9, 2026
1 min read
📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway
A recent survey shows that a majority of Europeans view Israel as a significant threat to global peace, more so than other nations like North Korea and Iran. This perception raises concerns about the political climate in Europe regarding Israel and its policies. Additionally, the survey reflects widespread disapproval of the Iraq war and its aftermath.
🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line:
The survey indicates a significant shift in European public opinion regarding Israel, raising concerns about its implications for peace and diplomacy in the region.
👥 Key Players
European Commission
MENTIONED
Commissioner of the survey
"They represent the political and administrative body of the European Union, influencing policies and public opinion in Europe."
Simon Wiesenthal Center
MENTIONED
Jewish human rights organization
"They advocate against anti-Semitism and promote Holocaust remembrance, providing a counter-narrative to the survey's findings."
📰 What Happened
A survey commissioned by the European Commission found that 60% of Europeans view Israel as a greater threat to world peace than countries like North Korea and Iran. This has sparked controversy, particularly from organizations like the Simon Wiesenthal Center, which condemned the results as racist.
- 59% of 7,500 Europeans surveyed identified Israel as the primary threat to global peace.
- Two-thirds of respondents believe the Iraq war was unjustified.
💡 Why It Matters
🇮🇷 For Iran: This perception may bolster Iran's narrative that it is a victim of Western aggression, potentially strengthening its regional influence.
🌍 Regional: The survey results could exacerbate tensions between Israel and its neighbors, influencing regional alliances and conflicts.
🌐 International: It highlights a growing divide in international opinion regarding Israel, which could affect diplomatic relations and policy-making in Europe and beyond.
📚 Background
The perception of Israel as a threat is rooted in its ongoing conflicts with Palestinians and its military actions in the region, which have drawn widespread criticism.
Israeli-Palestinian conflict
European attitudes towards Middle Eastern politics
📡 Source:
INTERNATIONAL
📊 Confidence:
70%
The survey reflects public opinion and is not necessarily indicative of official policy, but it does provide insight into societal attitudes in Europe.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
🌐
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%
📰 Related Coverage
19 min ago •
Iran and Pakistan Discuss Regional Issues Amid Stalled US-Iran Negotiations
20 min ago •
New Mesothelioma Drug Utilizes Cancer's Defenses to Combat Disease
49 min ago •
Trump Expresses Optimism About Ending Iran Conflict
56 min ago •
US Denies Visa to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas for UNGA Attendance
58 min ago •