German president a friend of Israel

BERLIN, May 29 (UPI) -- Germany should judge Israel's policies in a spirit of friendship that allows for criticism but not prejudice, Germany's new president said.

Joachim Gauck, who took office less than three months ago, told Haaretz he is alarmed by a recent opinion poll that found two-thirds of Germans believe Israel to be an "aggressive state."

The former East German civil rights activist said he attributes the poll results to ignorance and a general wave of xenophobia that "flares up here and there time and again."

Gauck made the comments on the eve of his first official visit Tuesday to Israel and the Palestinian territories.

A Lutheran minister, he is enjoying widespread popularity less than 100 days into his presidency.

Germany, he said, "has a unique responsibility for Israel due to the darkest chapter in our history."

He said that responsibility will never cease.

"Germany is fully committed to the security and right to exist of the state of Israel," Gauck said.