Full Breakdown
Divided Perceptions of Safety and Security Among Israelis
1/7/2026, 1:17:49 AM
Survey Findings on Safety Perceptions
A recent public opinion poll conducted by the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) reveals significant disparities between Jewish and Arab citizens in Israel regarding perceptions of safety and security. The survey, part of IDI's Israeli Voice Index, was conducted between December 28, 2025, and January 1, 2026, and included 602 Jewish and 150 Arab adult respondents. Approximately 76% of Jewish respondents believe it is safer for Jews to live in Israel than abroad, a slight increase from previous measurements. In stark contrast, only about 32% of Arab respondents feel the same, with others divided on whether life abroad is safer or equally safe.
Concerns Over State Institutions and Social Cohesion
The survey also indicated a decline in overall optimism regarding Israel's future security and social cohesion. Jewish respondents generally expressed more confidence in state institutions compared to Arab respondents. Concerns about social cohesion and democratic governance were prevalent, with a majority of respondents supporting a state commission of inquiry into the failures surrounding the October 7 attacks, although support for this option has decreased by approximately 10 percentage points since earlier surveys.
Jewish Israelis' Concerns About U.S. Support
In a separate survey conducted by the Ruderman Family Foundation, nearly 80% of Jewish Israelis expressed concern over declining support for Israel among the American public, particularly in light of the ongoing Gaza conflict. The poll, which surveyed 1,000 Jewish Israeli adults, found that nearly half of the respondents were "very concerned" or "concerned" about this trend. The survey highlighted a generational divide, with younger Republicans in the U.S. increasingly critical of American support for Israel, raising alarms among Jewish GOP leadership.
Broader Implications for Israeli-Diaspora Relations
Jay Ruderman, president of the Ruderman Family Foundation, emphasized the need for Israel to reassess its engagement with American Jewry, noting that the relationship is a strategic asset for both Israel and the Jewish people. The survey revealed that 44% of Israelis expect support for Israel among younger American Jews to decline in the future. This sentiment reflects a longer-term erosion of emotional ties to Israel, particularly among younger generations.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics argue that the Israeli government's policies, particularly during the Gaza war, have contributed to the declining support among American Jews. More than half of the respondents in the Ruderman survey believed that these policies weakened support for Israel among American Jews. This perception underscores the challenges Israel faces in maintaining its relationship with the Jewish diaspora amid rising antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment globally.
Conflicting Reports on Security Perceptions
While the IDI survey indicates a strong belief among Jewish Israelis in the safety of Israel, the Arab Opinion Index 2024-25 reveals that 44% of respondents across the Arab world view Israel as a primary threat to regional security. This discrepancy highlights the complex and often conflicting perceptions of safety and security within and outside Israel.
Conclusion
The findings from these surveys illustrate a divided landscape in Israel regarding safety, security, and trust in state institutions. As general elections approach, these insights may influence political messaging and policy priorities, particularly in addressing the concerns of both Jewish and Arab citizens.
