Israelis Express Disillusionment with Democracy, Poll Reveals

A recent survey conducted by the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) indicates widespread disillusionment among Israelis regarding the state of democracy in their country. The poll reveals that public trust in government institutions is notably low, with many respondents expressing concerns about the future of democracy in Israel.

According to the IDI survey, only approximately a quarter of Jewish Israelis rated the level of national democracy as “good” or “excellent.” This finding reflects a concerning trend in public sentiment, with assessments of democratic conditions continuing to decline. Among Arab Israelis, the situation is even more stark, as only 12% reported a positive view of democracy, marking a record low for this demographic.

Trust levels in various government institutions remain troublingly low, with only 10% to 41% of respondents expressing confidence in these bodies. The Israel Defense Force stands out as an exception, with 81% of Jewish respondents indicating trust in the military. In contrast, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s government garners trust from just 25% of Jewish Israelis and slightly over 17% of Arab Israelis.

Netanyahu, who is currently facing trial in three corruption cases, has announced plans to seek another term as prime minister. His controversial tenure continues to polarize the public, and many feel that their views are not adequately represented. The survey found that 67.5% of Jewish Israelis and 76% of Arab Israelis believe there is no political party that aligns closely with their perspectives.

A significant portion of the respondents, around 35%, stated they could rely on the state “in times of trouble.” This indicates a complex relationship between citizens and their government, where some trust remains, despite widespread dissatisfaction with the political landscape.

The backdrop to this disillusionment is the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has severely impacted Israel’s international reputation. Following a surprise attack on October 7, 2023, by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 individuals, Israel has engaged in extensive military operations in the Palestinian enclave. These actions have led to a reported 70,000 Palestinian casualties, according to local health authorities.

As the political climate remains fraught with tension, the findings of the IDI survey underscore the urgent need for dialogue and reassessment of democratic values within Israeli society. The declining trust in government institutions and the perceived erosion of democratic principles present significant challenges for the future of governance in Israel.