Israeli Cities See Shifting Populations as Some Grow and Others Shrink

Aswkelon leads Israel in internal migration, adding 3,198 residents between January and July 2026, a nearly 2% increase. Sderot follows with 915 new residents, a 2.3% growth. Other cities experiencing positive migration include Be'er Ya'akov (802), Afula (784), and Beit Shemesh (669).

Jerusalem recorded the largest negative migration balance, losing 4,357 residents to other localities, though this is partially offset by international immigration and natural growth. Ashdod follows with a deficit of 1,880 residents, with Holon, Elad, and Petah Tikva also showing negative balances.

Notably, two Haredi cities, Modi'in Illit and Beitar Illit, also experienced significant negative internal migration. Modi'in Illit lost 929 residents, and Beitar Illit lost 589 residents during the same period. These Haredi communities are among several localities, including Ashdod, Holon, Elad, and Petah Tikva, that are seeing more people leave than arrive from within Israel.