Israel's Population Nears 10.5 Million Ahead of Jewish New Year
Translated & summarized from Davar by baba
Israel's population is estimated at 10.305 million by the eve of the Jewish New Year, with a total fertility rate and life expectancy exceeding OECD averages. The country saw a net migration loss in 2025, though foreign worker numbers increased.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israel's population is projected to reach 10.305 million by Rosh Hashanah.
- 2025 saw more Israelis emigrate than immigrants arrive.
- Global Jewish population is 15.9 million, with 46% in Israel.
- Israel's fertility rate is 2.88, double the OECD average.
- Life expectancy for Israeli men and women surpasses OECD averages.
- Foreign worker numbers saw a significant increase in 2025.
As the Jewish New Year approaches, Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics has released key demographic and economic data. The population of Israel is estimated to reach approximately 10.305 million people by the eve of Rosh Hashanah.
In 2025, Israel saw 20,900 new immigrants arrive, while 69,500 Israelis emigrated. The overall Israeli population was estimated at 9.916 million for the first 11.63 months of the year. This population comprises about 7.767 million Jews and others (78.3%), 2.149 million Arabs (21.7%), and an estimated 286,700 foreign residents. The annual growth rate for the Israeli population stood at 1.1%, consistent with the previous year. The international migration balance was negative, with a net loss of around 8,000 people from the Israeli population. This figure accounts for 24,000 new immigrants, 4,000 family reunifications, 21,000 returning Israelis, and 57,000 Israelis who emigrated.
Globally, as of January 1, 2026, there were approximately 15.9 million Jews worldwide, with about 46% residing in Israel. In terms of fertility, Israel recorded 183,678 live births in 2024, and the total fertility rate was 2.88 children per woman, significantly higher than the OECD average of 1.41. The average household size in Israel is 3.17 people, compared to about 2.5 in OECD countries.
Life expectancy in Israel for men is 81.4 years and for women is 85.9 years, both exceeding the OECD averages. Government welfare expenditures in 2024 amounted to 256.5 billion shekels, representing 27.5% of total government spending. A total of 1.29 million individuals were registered as welfare service recipients.
Regarding living standards in 2023, the average gross monthly household income was 26,330 shekels, with a net income of 21,606 shekels. Housing costs constituted 25.3% of household expenditures. In the labor market, 4.577 million people aged 15 and over participated in the workforce, with an employment rate of 60.9%. The average number of weekly work hours per employee was 34.9. The largest employment sectors were education and health services. The number of foreign workers in Israel increased by 22.9% compared to 2024, reaching 221,800.
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Left 1Centre 7Right 3Haredi 2Arab 3Other 5
