Most Israelis Firm on Voting Choices as Political Battle Centers on the Center Ahead of Fall Elections

As Israel approaches its anticipated elections this fall, a new survey by the Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI) reveals that 82% of Israelis are certain or fairly certain about their voting decisions. The survey highlights a deepening identification with the right-wing among Jewish Israelis, with 66% placing themselves on the right compared to 63% a year ago, while the left shrinks to 19%. The political center is emerging as the key battleground, with many undecided voters concentrated there.

Among Jewish voters, 71% on the left and 58% on the right are fully decided, whereas 22% of right-center and only 44% of center voters are certain of their choice. In the Arab sector, half identify with the left, and fewer now feel politically unaligned, suggesting increased political engagement ahead of the elections.

Regarding coalition preferences, no single option commands a majority. The most popular coalition among the general public (27%) is the "Change Bloc" including Arab parties. Meanwhile, 16% favor a right-wing bloc similar to the current government, and 14% support a right-wing bloc with an added centrist party. Preferences vary sharply by political affiliation: 68% of right-wing voters want a right-wing coalition, while 73-75% of left and left-center voters prefer the Change Bloc including Arab parties. The center remains divided with no dominant coalition choice.

Security remains the top voting issue nationally (28%), followed by governance and judicial reform (18%), advancing Israel as a liberal state (15%), and unity (13%). Right-wing voters prioritize security (40%) and judicial issues (30%), while center and left voters focus on liberalism (35-38%). Among Arab voters, security (34%) and the economy (26%) are paramount.

JPPI President Prof. Yedidia Stern emphasized that most Israelis enter the elections with firm preferences, making the center the decisive arena. He noted the judicial system remains a core issue for the right-wing after nearly three years dominated by security concerns. Stern called for forming a broad coalition post-election to establish clear political norms and reduce internal divisions, referencing ongoing work on a "thin constitution" to guide political discourse.