A recent survey indicates that over half of Israelis are increasingly concerned about their safety when traveling or residing abroad. The anxieties stem from the ongoing repercussions of the Gaza conflict, which has significantly impacted perceptions of Israeli citizens internationally.
According to the poll, conducted by a private research institute, 54% of Israeli respondents expressed apprehension about their well-being outside of Israel. Specifically, 40% stated they felt generally concerned, while 14% reported feeling very concerned. Conversely, 39% indicated they did not feel particularly worried, and 7% remained undecided.
These fears are reportedly linked to the international fallout from the conflict in Gaza, which began in October 2023 and continued for two years. The conflict resulted in a high number of Palestinian casualties and widespread destruction of infrastructure, drawing condemnation from various international bodies and fueling anti-Israeli sentiment in some regions.
The survey also touched on domestic political sentiment. Results suggest that if elections were held today, the opposition would secure a majority of 60 seats in the 120-seat Knesset. The current ruling coalition, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is projected to win 50 seats, while Arab parties are expected to gain 10 seats. This outcome would represent a loss of two seats for the ruling coalition.
General elections are scheduled for October 2026. The opposition has accused Netanyahu of delaying early elections to evade ongoing corruption trials and maintain his grip on power. The Gaza conflict and its aftermath have created significant political and social divisions within Israel, further complicating the political landscape.
