Poll: One in Four Israelis May Leave If Netanyahu Wins Again

A recent opinion poll in Israel suggests that nearly a quarter of Israelis are thinking about leaving the country if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secures another term in office. The survey, conducted by Channel 12 and reported by The Times of Israel, found that 23 percent of respondents said they or a family member were considering emigration in such a scenario. In contrast, 68 percent of those polled said they were not planning to leave, while the remaining 9 percent were unsure. The poll also measured public sentiment on new laws passed by Netanyahu's coalition government. Two controversial pieces of legislation were passed this week: one that elevates Torah study to a quasi-constitutional value, and another that protects ultra-Orthodox Jews who avoid military service from arrest. According to the survey, 67 percent of Israelis opposed these laws, while 21 percent supported them, and 12 percent had no opinion. The findings indicate growing discontent with the current government's direction, particularly among those who view the legislation as favoring a specific religious group at the expense of broader societal values. Israel has a history of high emigration rates during periods of political instability, but this poll highlights a potential surge if Netanyahu remains in power. The upcoming election, expected to be closely contested, will determine whether these concerns translate into actual departures.