A recent survey reveals a growing desire among Israelis to leave their homeland, highlighting deep-seated dissatisfaction with the country's leadership and security situation. According to the July 2024 Israeli Society Index by the Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI), one in four Jewish Israelis and four in ten Arab Israelis would emigrate if given the opportunity.
This emigration sentiment coincides with a significant erosion of trust in both military and political institutions. Public confidence in the IDF senior command has plummeted, with 55% of Jewish respondents expressing low or very low trust. The political sphere fares even worse, with only 27% of Israelis trusting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a mere 26% having faith in the government.
The survey also exposes stark divisions over mandatory military conscription for ultra-Orthodox youth. While 63% of Jewish Israelis support the Supreme Court's ruling on Haredi conscription, only 12% of the ultra-Orthodox community agrees, underscoring deep societal rifts.
Attitudes towards security policies are shifting as well. Support for aggressive military actions, such as an attack on Hezbollah, has declined from 62% in March to 56% in July. Simultaneously, there's a slight uptick in support for diplomatic solutions, particularly among Arab Israelis.
Professor Yedidya Stern, JPPI president, emphasizes the gravity of the situation, calling for renewed trust between leadership and the public to enhance national resilience. He suggests that general elections may be necessary to address this crisis of confidence.
*JPost contributed to this article.
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