A recent study shows that Israelis view Germany more positively than in previous years. According to a December 2014 study released by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, 68 percent of Israelis and 49 percent of Palestinians have a “positive” or “very positive” image of Germany. The positive view marks a rise from 2009 when 65 percent of Israelis regarded Germany positively.

These statistics are surprising when one looks at what happened merely 70 years ago.

The German think tank obtained this data by calling 1,000 randomly selected Israelis over age 18 and 1,270 Palestinians. Keevoon Global Research conducted the Israeli poll while the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research in Ramallah conducted the Palestinian poll.

The pollsters found that only 23 percent of Israelis and 33 percent of Palestinians view Germany negatively.

Alongside the 68 percent of Israelis with a favorable German stance, 81 percent of Israelis want a closer relationship with Germany. More than half—54 percent—see Germany as an “honest broker” in Israeli-Palestinian relations, compared to 68 percent of Palestinians. Fifty-three percent of Israelis also view the European Union positively.

Not only do the majority of both peoples demonstrate a trust in Germany, but more than half of Palestinian respondents would like to see Germany take a more active role on the international political scene. At the same time, 74 percent desire a friendlier Palestinian-German relationship.

Khalil Shikaki, director of the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research, said, “Given that both Palestinians and Israelis do not have high hopes for an American role in peacemaking, I think this is an indication that both sides would welcome a German leading role in any initiative in peacemaking.” Israel can see the waning relationship clearly.

The study follows in line with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent request for Europe’s help in fighting terrorists. (United States President Barack Obama did not send any high-ranking personnel to attend the anti-terror rallies in France that followed the Charlie Hebdo attack.) As tensions rise in the Middle East and America’s support for Israel wanes, one can understand Israel’s desire for a strong ally.

Bible prophecy proclaims that Germany will play a major role as “peacekeeper” in Israel. But it is a prelude to an epic betrayal. Read the article “The Counterfeit Peacemaker” to learn more about Germany’s role as in the Middle East.