Israeli Poll Reveals Growing National Anxiety, Especially Among Arab Citizens

A recent poll indicates a significant rise in anxiety regarding Israel's future, particularly among its Arab citizens, despite a majority expressing pride in the country. The survey, conducted by Lazar Research and Panel4all from September 9-10 with 601 participants, found that 79% of Israelis feel pride in their nationality, while 17% do not. However, this pride is notably lower among Arab citizens, with only 44% expressing it, a decrease from 52% last year, while those not proud rose from 31% to 40%.

Regarding living conditions, 62% of respondents believe Israel is a comfortable place to live, with 35% disagreeing. Jewish participants were twice as likely as Arab participants to be satisfied with living conditions (66% versus 33%). Over the past three years, overall satisfaction with living conditions has dipped from 66% to 62%, with a moderate decline among Jewish Israelis (71% to 66%) but a sharp drop among Arab Israelis (46% to 33%).

Concerns about the country's future are also evident, with 62% believing in Israel's continued existence. However, 27% expressed fears that the state is under real threat, and 11% were undecided. Among Arab respondents, a substantial 30% were unsure about the state's durability.

Dr. Menachem Lazar, head of Lazar Research, described the findings as a "serious alarm signal." He highlighted the "significant drop in those proud to be Israeli, the decrease in those considering Israel a good place to live, and 30% of Arabs unsure of the state's strength" as indicators of negative sentiment within the Arab population, which constitutes about 22% of the country's citizens.

The poll surveyed 601 individuals out of 4329 invited, representing a sample of the adult population aged 18 and over, with a maximum margin of error of 4%.