Israel biggest threat to world peace, says EU poll
BRUSSELS, Nov 3: Europeans believe Israel poses the biggest threat to world peace, just ahead of North Korea, Iran and the United States, according to an EU poll on Monday which has sparked outrage from Israeli authorities.
Israel reacted to the poll even before it was formally released, after the Spanish daily El Pais published leaked details from it last week, saying it was proof that anti-Semitism lay behind political criticism of Israel.
The European Commission said the Israeli reaction was “legitimate,” but otherwise refused any further comment on the poll results beyond repeatedly stating that EU policies were not affected by such poll findings.
“I think the reaction was a very legitimate reaction,” said spokesman Gerassimos Thomas, while adding: “It is not our task to interpret each and every survey.”
Some 59 per cent of Europeans replied “yes” when asked whether or not Israel presents a threat to peace in the world, said the Eurobarometer survey, presented by the Brussels commission.
Fifty-three per cent said Iran, North Korea and the United States posed a threat, followed by 52 per cent for Iraq, 50 per cent for Afghanistan and 48 per cent for Pakistan. After that came Syria on 37 per cent; Libya on 36 per cent; Saudi Arabia on 36 per cent; China on 30 per cent; India on 22 per cent; Russia on 21 per cent; Somalia on 16 per cent and the EU itself on eight per cent.
In a country-by-country breakdown, the Netherlands were most concerned about Israel with the 74 per cent of Dutch people saying it represents a threat to world peace. Italians were the least concerned at 48 per cent.
Greece was the most alarmed about the United States with 88 per cent of Greeks saying the US poses the biggest threat to world peace, while at the other end of the scale only 43 per cent of Italians felt there was any reason to be concerned.
“The European Union, which shows sensitivity on human rights issues, would do well to stop the rampant brainwashing against and demonizing of Israel before Europe deteriorates once again to dark sections of its past,” said Diaspora Affairs Minister Nathan Sharansky.
The Israeli ambassador to Italy — which currently holds the EU presidency — said in an interview with the daily Il Messagero on Monday that the poll could have significant diplomatic consequences.
“It seems to me that the only aim of this poll was to denigrate Israel at a very delicate time, and I think it will it much more difficult for Europe to fulfil its ambition to play a part in the peace process,” said Ehud Gol.—AFP
