A new report released today by the Israel Democracy Institute paints a complex picture of Israeli society in 2025. While there’s been a slight improvement in how Israelis assess the country’s overall situation, trust in key institutions remains low, and deep societal divisions persist. Despite these challenges, the vast majority of Israelis report a desire to remain in the country.
Key Findings of the 2025 Index
The 23rd annual Israeli Democracy Index, based on surveys conducted in May and November 2025, reveals a continuation of trends observed in 2024. Dissatisfaction remains widespread, and confidence in state institutions is generally below average. However, the report also notes a growing sense of optimism regarding Israel’s overall condition, with over 70% of both Jewish and Arab citizens stating a preference to stay in Israel even with opportunities to relocate abroad.
Trust in Institutions Remains Fragile
Trust levels across nearly all institutions are below their historical averages. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) enjoys the highest level of trust among Jewish Israelis, while the Supreme Court is viewed most favorably by Arab citizens. The survey also revealed that nearly half (46.5%) of all respondents believe it would be best to “dismantle all the country’s political institutions and start over from scratch.”
Divisions and Tensions
The most significant social tension in Israel is perceived to be the divide between those on the Right and Left of the political spectrum, with almost half of all Israelis identifying this as the most acute issue. Among Jewish respondents, tensions between Jews and Arabs, and between religious and secular Israelis, are also prominent concerns. Arab Israelis, however, prioritize the tension between Jews and Arabs.
Looking Ahead
The findings suggest that Israel may continue to grapple with internal divisions in the coming months. The upcoming elections, while a majority (65.5%) believe will be fair, are taking place in a climate where most Israelis feel no political party truly represents their views. It is possible that the results will reflect the existing fragmentation of Israeli society. Should the current trends continue, we could see further erosion of trust in state institutions and a deepening of societal fault lines. However, the strong desire among most Israelis to remain in the country suggests a fundamental resilience and commitment to building a future within Israel’s borders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Israel Democracy Index?
The Israel Democracy Index is an annual survey published by the Israel Democracy Institute that outlines a complex picture regarding the public’s assessment of the resilience of Israeli democracy, the level of trust in state institutions, and internal cohesion within society.
What is the current level of optimism among Jewish and Arab Israelis?
In both May and November 2025, the majority of Jewish Israelis expressed optimism about Israel’s future, while only a minority of Arab Israelis shared that sentiment. The level of optimism among Arab Israelis even declined between May and November.
What do Israelis think about the inclusion of Arab parties in the government?
A large majority (77%) of Arab Israelis support the inclusion of Arab parties in the government, while a majority (71.5%) of Jewish Israelis oppose it.
What role do you believe public trust in institutions plays in the stability of a democratic society?
