Economy, Security Top Israeli Voter Concerns Ahead of Elections

A new poll by the Israel Democracy Institute reveals that the Israeli economy and the high cost of living are the primary concerns for voters ahead of the upcoming Knesset elections, with 41% citing these issues as major factors. Foreign policy and security matters followed closely, identified by 38% of respondents as key considerations.

For Jewish respondents specifically, the draft (or conscription) of ultra-Orthodox men into the military and the relationship between religion and state were significant concerns, ranking third and fourth respectively. These issues encompass military service for Haredim, the Chief Rabbinate's authority over marriage and conversion, and religious restrictions in public life. Among Jewish voters, 27% prioritized the draft issue, while 26% focused on religion-state relations.

In contrast, crime within the Arab community was a top concern for less than 10% of Arab respondents. The poll also indicated a diminished focus on the political divide surrounding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with only 22% naming the leader's personality as a key voting factor, placing it fifth out of six issues. The judicial overhaul, a dominant topic in 2023, was ranked last among Jewish voters, with only 18% considering it a crucial factor.

The current election campaign is heavily influenced by the October 7, 2023, attack and its aftermath, likely contributing to the heightened voter focus on security. This represents a significant increase from the 2022 elections, when only 11% of respondents considered foreign policy and security to be the main issue.

Separately, a poll by the Shilo Institute indicated that economic and social problems are prompting more Israelis to consider emigration, with notable differences in attitudes towards moving abroad.