How concerned are Israelis by what their government is doing in their name?

Introduction

Based on recent surveys and polls, Israelis show a mix of concern and support for their government’s actions, with opinions often divided along ethnic and political lines:

Trust in Government and Institutions

53% of Israelis trust the national government to do what is right for Israel, while 47% do not.

Trust in government institutions has become more polarized, with the share of Israeli Jews who trust the government “a lot” doubling from 16% in 2017 to 32% in 2024.

58% of Israelis believe democracy is under threat, nearly matching the highest level of concern recorded in 2022 (59%).

Views on Military Actions in Gaza

39% of Israelis say Israel’s military response against Hamas in Gaza has been “about right”.

34% believe the response has not gone far enough, while 19% think it has gone too far.

67% of Israelis are confident that Israel will achieve its goals in the war against Hamas.

Concerns About the Ongoing Conflict

61% are extremely or very concerned about the war expanding into other countries in the region.

68% are extremely or very concerned about the war going on for a long time.

Shifting Public Opinion

Support for Prime Minister Netanyahu has fluctuated significantly, with recent polls showing increased backing despite earlier calls for his dismissal.

41% of Israelis believe Netanyahu is the most suitable person to lead a coalition government, marking a recovery from earlier low approval ratings.

Divisions in Israeli Society

Israelis are divided on the prospect of Arab and Jewish Israelis living together peacefully, with equal shares (37%) expressing optimism and pessimism.

There is a significant divide between Israeli Jews and Arabs in their trust of the government, with Arab Israelis showing increased distrust.

Conclusion

While there is considerable concern among Israelis about the state of democracy and the ongoing conflict, there is also substantial support for the government’s military actions. The Israeli public appears to be grappling with complex and often conflicting sentiments regarding their government’s actions in their name.