There is a clear divide between Jewish and Arab citizens over perceptions of safety, security, and confidence in state institutions, a poll released by the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) showed.
According to the survey conducted by IDI’s Viterbi Family Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research between December 28 and January 1, approximately three-quarters of Jewish respondents said they believe it is safer for Jews to live in Israel than abroad, a slight increase compared with earlier measurements.
In contrast, Arab respondents were split; only about one-third said it was safer for Arabs to live in Israel, while others felt it was safer abroad or saw little difference. Pollsters suggested that differing experiences with security and everyday crime may impact this gap.
The poll surveyed 602 Jewish and 150 Arab adults and is part of IDI’s ongoing monthly Israeli Voice Index, tracking public sentiment on national issues.
The survey also found a slight decline in overall optimism about Israel’s future security, as well as concerns about social cohesion and democratic governance. Jewish respondents were generally more optimistic on these fronts than Arab respondents.
In addition to questions about safety, the poll asked about mechanisms to investigate the failures surrounding the October 7 attacks. While a majority still support a state commission of inquiry, backing for that option has dropped by about 10 percentage points compared with prior surveys.
Most Jewish respondents expressed strong support for the government assisting Jewish communities abroad through diplomatic pressure and direct security involvement; Arab respondents showed markedly lower levels of support for these measures.
Enduring social and political divides in Israel
On questions related to political leadership, a small majority of respondents (54%) said they believe Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was aware of links between his close advisers and Qatar, despite his denials.
Analysts say the survey highlights enduring social and political divides in Israel, particularly between Jewish and Arab populations on issues of security and trust in state institutions. With elections approaching later this year, the data could inform political messaging and policy priorities across the spectrum.
The poll offers a snapshot of public opinion at a pivotal moment, as the country navigates security challenges at home and abroad.