Israeli Researchers Report Record Emigration Levels Amid Ongoing Conflict

A new study by researchers from Tel Aviv University reveals a significant rise in the number of Israelis leaving the country in 2025. According to the research published on Monday, 90,922 Israelis stayed abroad for at least three consecutive months, a figure comparable to 91,499 in 2024 and higher than the 86,509 recorded in 2023. These numbers represent a peak compared to previous years, with an average of about 60,000 Israelis leaving annually for similar durations during the 2010-2019 decade.

The study, conducted by Prof. Itai Ater, Prof. Netai Bergman, and doctoral student Doron Zamir, is based on data from the Central Bureau of Statistics. The researchers noted that the full data on Israelis leaving for 12 months or more in 2025 will only be available in early 2027. However, by analyzing the three-month departure data, which correlates strongly (0.96) with the 12-month data, they estimate that between 45,000 and 50,000 Israelis will leave for a year or longer in 2025.

Prof. Ater emphasized that while the current emigration levels do not yet threaten Israel's resilience, the ongoing trend is concerning. He warned that without change, increased emigration could jeopardize Israel's security and economy. The researchers highlighted that the main risk lies not in the current numbers but in the potential for further increases, especially if additional political, economic, or security shocks occur, which could lead to severe consequences for Israeli society and its economy.