Survey Finds Israeli Society Loses Faith in the State

Poll Shows Deep Public Disillusionment, Collapse of Trust in Government, and Political Alienation Across Israeli Society

Palestine, PUREWILAYAH.COM — A growing majority of Israelis no longer believe their state functions as a genuine democracy, according to new survey findings that reveal widespread public disillusionment, collapsing trust in government institutions, and deep political alienation across both Jewish and Arab communities.

The survey, published this week by the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI), paints a bleak picture of Israeli society, showing that confidence in the state has deteriorated sharply amid prolonged war, political corruption, and the ongoing assault on Gaza.

Democracy Viewed as Failing Project

According to the poll, conducted in May and November, only around 25% of Jewish Israelis described the state of democracy as “good” or “excellent.” Among Arab Israelis, the assessment has collapsed to a record low of just 12%, underscoring entrenched inequality and systemic exclusion within the Israeli political system.

The IDI stated that the findings reinforce a long-term downward trend, reflecting years of institutional decay and growing authoritarian practices under successive governments.

Institutional Trust at Historic Lows

Public trust in state institutions has eroded across the board. Most government bodies are trusted by only 10% to 41% of respondents, highlighting a profound legitimacy crisis.

For Jewish respondents, the sole exception remains the Israel Defense Force, trusted by 81%, a figure that underscores the central role of militarism in Israeli society—even as political institutions lose credibility.

Arab respondents, however, expressed significantly lower trust across all institutions, reflecting decades of structural discrimination and state violence.

Netanyahu Government Lacks Public Confidence

Trust in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government remains weak and deeply polarized.

Only 25% of Jewish Israelis and just over 17% of Arab Israelis said they trust the current government. Netanyahu, the longest-serving prime minister in Israel’s history, is currently standing trial in three corruption cases, all while attempting to extend his rule.

Despite denying wrongdoing, his leadership has come to symbolize political stagnation, corruption, and escalating repression.

Citizens Say the State Cannot Be Relied Upon

Perhaps most alarming, only 35% of respondents said they could rely on the state “in times of trouble.” A clear majority also said no political party represents their views, with 67.5% of Jewish Israelis and 76% of Arab Israelis expressing complete political alienation.

The findings reflect a society increasingly disconnected from its political class and unconvinced by electoral theater that fails to address fundamental injustices. (PW)