Israeli Public Fears Internal Conflict as Much as Iranian Threat, New Poll Shows

A recent poll conducted in July for ynet and Yedioth Ahronoth, in collaboration with the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), reveals that Israelis are deeply concerned not only about external threats like Iran but also about violent internal divisions within their society. The survey found that 39% of respondents identified the fear of violent clashes between societal groups as one of the top three threats facing Israel in the next five years, matching the percentage worried about Iran acquiring nuclear weapons. Following closely, 35% of those surveyed cited a large-scale missile attack on Israel's home front as a major threat.

Concerns about the erosion of Israel's democratic character were noted by 31% of respondents, while the prospect of a prolonged war in one arena rose from 23% in February to 27% in July. Additionally, 22% remain worried about losing U.S. support, a figure unchanged from previous surveys. Economic concerns, specifically a decline in productivity due to demographic changes, increased from 4% to 12%, though changes in the survey's wording make it difficult to interpret this rise.

Survey editor Ilon emphasized that while external security threats like Iran's nuclear ambitions, missile attacks, and extended warfare are significant, the predominant concern among the Israeli public, experts, and opinion leaders is the potential for violent internal conflict. He highlighted that 97% of respondents expressed worry about internal threats, compared to over 80% concerned about external dangers, underscoring the prominence of societal division as Israel's foremost public anxiety.