Key facts
- Approximately 23% of Israelis are considering leaving the country if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is re-elected.
- A new report indicates over a quarter of Israelis are considering temporary or permanent emigration.
- Top reasons for potential departure include a lack of a good future, rising costs of living, and security concerns.
- Young secular Israelis showed the highest inclination to leave.
- A majority of Israelis oppose recent legislation passed by Netanyahu's coalition.
- Europe is the most cited destination for potential emigrants.
A significant portion of Israelis are contemplating leaving the country, with nearly a quarter considering emigration if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is re-elected, according to a Channel 12 poll reported by The Times of Israel. The survey indicated that 23% of Israelis are considering leaving or have relatives who are, while 68% stated they are not considering such a move.
Further findings from a report by the Israel Democracy Institute revealed that over a quarter of Israelis are contemplating temporary or permanent relocation. This report highlighted that 30% of Arab Israelis and 26% of Jewish Israelis are considering emigration. The inclination to leave was particularly high among young secular Israelis, with 60% expressing such thoughts, a figure that rose to 80% for those with high incomes and foreign passports.
Respondents cited a lack of a good future, rising living costs, security concerns, and political instability as primary drivers for considering departure. Many of those contemplating leaving did not have a specific destination in mind, though Europe was the most frequently mentioned, followed by North America. Family ties were also identified as a significant factor influencing the decision to emigrate.
In addition to emigration concerns, the Channel 12 poll also addressed public sentiment towards recent legislation passed by Netanyahu's coalition. The survey found that 67% of Israelis opposed the new laws, which include measures related to Torah study and exemptions from military service for ultra-Orthodox individuals. Only 21% expressed support for the legislation.