A poll indicates that democracy is perceived to be deteriorating amid persistent low confidence in the government
A survey released this week indicates that the majority of Israelis are dissatisfied with the condition of democracy in their nation. According to research conducted by the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI), citizens feel they cannot depend on the state, with public confidence in multiple governmental bodies remaining weak.
The IDI reported that merely approximately 25% of Jewish Israelis characterized the state of national democracy as “good” or “excellent,” drawing from surveys carried out in May and November. The findings underscore a continuing decline observed in recent years, the institute noted. The report also revealed that among Arab Israelis, favorable evaluation of democratic conditions has fallen to an unprecedented low of only 12%.
The poll indicated that merely 10% to 41% of participants express confidence in the majority of government institutions. The Israel Defense Forces stand as the sole exception for Jewish respondents, with 81% expressing trust in the country’s military.
According to the survey, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration enjoys the trust of 25% of Jewish Israelis and slightly more than 17% of Arab Israelis. Netanyahu continues to be a polarizing figure. The country’s longest-serving leader is presently on trial for three corruption allegations, all of which he denies. He declared his intention to pursue reelection in October.
Approximately one-third of all respondents—35%—indicated they could depend on the state “in times of trouble.” Additionally, a majority—67.5% of Jewish Israelis and 76% of Arab Israelis—stated that no political party adequately represents their perspectives.
The conflict in Gaza has severely tarnished West Jerusalem’s global reputation, triggered by the October 2023 surprise assault on southern Israel by the Palestinian militant organization Hamas that resulted in 1,200 fatalities. Israel’s retaliatory campaign of intensive airstrikes and ground operations in the Palestinian territory over the subsequent two years has caused 70,000 Palestinian deaths, per local health officials.