Survey Finds 61% Believe Jewish-Arab Relations Have Worsened Amid Pessimism on Coexistence

A special survey conducted in early July 2026 among a representative sample of 601 Israeli adults reveals a complex and largely pessimistic view of Jewish-Arab relations in Israel. According to the poll, 61% of respondents believe that relations between Jews and Arabs have deteriorated over the past year, with only 3% perceiving improvement. Furthermore, 59% of the general public doubt the possibility of genuine coexistence between the two groups, though 68% of Arab respondents express openness to close friendships with Jews.

The survey, conducted by the Medgam Institute under Meno Geva and presented on the KAN 12 program "Not What You Thought" ahead of Tisha B'Av, also explored attitudes toward key social and political issues. When asked about Israel's identity, 55% preferred a democratic state, while 38% favored a primarily Jewish state. About half of the respondents (51%) opposed the government's exemption law from military conscription, with opposition strongest among Netanyahu opponents (77%) and much lower among his supporters (19%). Support for the Nation-State Law stood at 22%, rising to 32% if it recognized the Druze community, while 19% opposed it outright.

Social attitudes toward exclusion were also examined, with 74% equating severe social boycott to physical violence in terms of seriousness. Economic concerns were prominent, with 64% citing the high cost of living as the main source of family financial stress, followed by housing costs at 46%. Differences emerged between Jews and Arabs, with Jews more concerned about housing costs and Arabs more critical of government economic policies.

Political and demographic divides were evident in views on coexistence. Only 24% of Jewish respondents believed in the possibility of true coexistence, compared to 53% of Arabs. Among political groups, 88% of Netanyahu supporters rejected coexistence, while 55% of center-left respondents remained hopeful. Age and religiosity also influenced perspectives, with younger and more religious respondents expressing greater skepticism.

Despite widespread pessimism, personal openness to intergroup friendships varied. Only 29% of Jews felt comfortable forming close friendships with Arabs, while 68% of Arabs felt comfortable with close Jewish friendships. Gender differences appeared as well, with Jewish men more open than women to such relationships. The survey highlights the deep divisions and challenges facing Israeli society but also points to areas of potential connection.