Israeli Public Supports Independent Civil Service but Fears Political Influence
A new study by the Israel Democracy Institute reveals a complex public attitude toward the Israeli civil service. While there is broad consensus across political lines that a professional, apolitical civil service is essential for the country’s governance, economy, and democracy, many Israelis doubt that this ideal is fully realized in practice. The research, based on a January 2026 survey of 754 adults, shows that most citizens believe civil servants should prioritize the public interest, transparency, and legality over blind obedience to political directives.
Respondents ranked "acting for the public good" (55%) and "transparency and accountability" (49%) as the most important duties of civil servants, while only 19% prioritized strict compliance with political decisions. This view held true among both coalition and opposition voters, with opposition supporters placing even greater emphasis on public interest and transparency. However, only about a quarter of respondents believe the civil service is free from political considerations, and less than a third trust it to act solely for the public good.
The survey also highlights political divides in trust toward government institutions. Opposition voters trust the Supreme Court and prosecution far more than coalition voters, who in turn have greater confidence in the government and police. Yet, trust in the professional civil service is relatively balanced, with 35-39% of both coalition and opposition voters expressing high confidence.
Researchers Dr. Natan Milikovsky and Adv. Edna Harel Fisher, a former senior civil servant, emphasize that while the public values the ideal of an independent civil service, there is concern about political interference in practice. They warn that politicization risks undermining the civil service’s ability to provide essential public services and recommend legal reforms to strengthen professional appointments, limit political influence, and embed principles of public loyalty, rule of law, and transparency in civil service training and public discourse.
The study underscores a cautious optimism among Israelis about the civil service’s role but also a clear call for greater integrity and independence from political pressures to ensure effective governance.
