Nearly one in five Israelis have considered leaving the country over the past two years, according to a poll conducted by Israel’s Kan public broadcaster, as emigration emerges as a potentially significant issue ahead of the upcoming election.
The findings, reported by the Middle East Monitor on Monday, showed that 18 per cent of respondents had considered emigrating, while 82 per cent said they had not.
The survey also indicated that emigration has become increasingly familiar within Israeli society. One-third of respondents said they knew someone who had left Israel during the past two years, compared with two-thirds who said they did not know anyone who had departed.
The issue is expected to feature prominently in the election campaign, amid concerns over the country’s political direction, security situation and social pressures. Israel is scheduled to hold its next election in October.
According to the poll, 12 per cent of respondents said the outcome of the election could influence their decision to remain in Israel or leave. Around two-thirds said the election result would not affect their decision, while one-fifth said they were unsure.
The findings point to a growing debate over emigration and the country’s ability to retain its citizens, particularly during a period of prolonged conflict and political uncertainty. Although most respondents said they had not considered leaving, the proportion who had done so—nearly one in five—underscores the scale of concern surrounding the issue.
The Middle East Monitor said worries over a rising number of Israelis choosing to live abroad are expected to make emigration a key topic in the forthcoming election.