Some 59 percent of Europeans replied "yes" when asked whether or not Israel presents a threat to peace in the world, said the survey, which has already sparked anger in Israel.

Fifty-three percent of those asked said Iran, North Korea and the United States pose a threat, followed by 52 percent for Iraq, 50 percent for Afghanistan and 48 percent for Pakistan, said the "Eurobarometer" poll.

Israeli Diaspora Affairs Minister Nathan Sharansky said at the weekend that the survey -- leaked to the Spanish daily El Pais last week -- was proof that anti-Semitism lay behind political criticism of Israel.

"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," he told Sunday's Yediot Aharonot newspaper.