BERLIN — A significant 68% of Germans opposed military support for Israel should the conflict extend to Lebanon or Iran, according to a recent opinion poll released by public broadcaster ARD on Saturday.

Criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's military actions in the Middle East is increasing among the German public.

The poll showed that 57% of respondents believe Israel's military response to the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7 has gone too far, marking a seven percentage point rise since March.

Support for military action in the Gaza Strip has declined, with only 21% of respondents now considering it appropriate, a drop of seven percentage points. Just 4% think the military actions did not go far enough.

Furthermore, 61% of Germans hold Israel completely or somewhat responsible for the situation in Gaza.

Despite Germany's long-standing support for Israel, rooted in its Nazi past, and its role as a significant arms supplier to Israel—with €326.5 million ($353.70 million) worth of military equipment provided last year alone—the recent developments reflect growing public dissatisfaction with Israel's military strategy in the ongoing conflict. — Agencies