Economic strain, pessimism drive 1 in 4 Israelis to weigh departure

Nearly one in four Israeli settlers of the Israeli occupation, and nearly one in three Arabs residing in Israeli-occupied ’48 territories, would consider leaving on a temporary or permanent basis, according to new data released Wednesday by the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI).

The findings highlight growing social and economic anxieties across communities, despite differing motivations for departure.

The survey shows a stark divide among Israeli respondents based on religious identity. Secular Israeli settlers are the most likely to consider migration, with 39% saying they are weighing the option, far higher than among religious or ultra-Orthodox respondents.

Among Palestinians, those aged 35 to 54 expressed the greatest openness to leaving, with around 34.5% willing to consider leaving their occupied homeland. Yet, 79% of Palestinian respondents said that they believe remaining in occupied Palestine is important to them, despite the conditions they face.

Respondents across groups cited the soaring cost of living and concern over their children’s long-term prospects as the primary reasons for contemplating departure. While few had a defined destination in mind, Europe appeared more desirable than North America among those who expressed preferences.

More than half of all Israeli respondents (54%) see the increasing departure of Israelis as a serious threat to “Israel’s” future.