Israel Democracy Institute

Bnei Brak clashes reflect long-building tensions within haredi society, researcher says - interview

An Israel Democracy Institute researcher says the violence reflects long-standing shifts within haredi society and mounting friction over IDF conscription.

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men clash with police following an assault on two female Israeli soldiers in Bnei Brak, central Israel, February 15, 2026.
Damage in the aftermath of an Iranian ballistic missile hitting a building in Bat Yam, June 29, 2025; illustrative.

Israelis divided on joining US pre-emptive strike on Iran, ending US military aid - IDI poll

A PLENUM session at the Knesset.

Post-October 7, coalition more concerned with controlling the systems than addressing recovery

 Israeli President Isaac Herzog is seen meeting with Arab women at the President's Residence in Jerusalem, on June 25, 2023.

Only one third of Israeli Arabs feel safe in Israel - poll


Israeli businesses adapt to AI models - what does that mean for future of country's workforce?

AI can either complement human labor, freeing employees for more complex tasks, or substitute workers, potentially leading to technological unemployment.

 An illustrative image of artificial intelligence.

Knesset's new law on religious courts and what it means for democracy - opinion

The bill in question would further expand their authority, allowing rabbinical courts and Sharia courts to rule as arbitrators on civil matters.

Knesset constitution, Law and Justice Committee Chairman Simcha Rothman (standing) speaks to Justice Minister Yariv Levin in the Knesset plenum.

Majority of Israeli Jews and Arabs believe Trump prioritizes Israel’s security – IDI poll

When asked whether Israel had achieved its goals in the conflict with Iran, a notable difference was seen between Jews (60%) and Arabs (37%).

 L to R: Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and US President Donald Trump against backdrop of respective flags and missile strikes.

Haredi boys schools lack enforcement of basic educational requirements, IDI study reveals

The study's findings have raised concerns about the quality of education and the integration of ultra-Orthodox students into Israeli society.

 Ultra-Orthodox children hold makeshift gallows as part of a protest against the haredi draft, in Jerusalem in 2024.

Mossad chief Barnea most trusted official among Arab Israelis, IDI poll reveals

In a poll conducted during Operation Rising Lion, the IDI learned that only 40% of Israeli adults have retained trust in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Mossad director David Barnea seen over a wall of hostage posters in Tel Aviv (illustrative)

Shas ministers will support any deal that will bring home hostages, Ben-Tzur says

The remarks were noteworthy, as they contradicted those of other ministers and of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said that the ultimate goal of the war was victory over Hamas.

 Minister of Labour Yoav Ben Tzur at a presentation of the Poverty report for 2024, provided by National Insurance Institute, in Jerusalem, December 18, 2024.

Israel not prioritizing Iran, beating Hamas won’t end Gaza extremism, former security advisor says

"The absolute damage Israel has caused and exacted from Hamas is unprecedented compared to any other enemy Israel has fought," said Dr. Eyal Hulata.

A Palestinian Hamas terrorist displays guns on the day of the handover of hostages,  in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, February 22, 2025.

Bill proposing 80% tax on NGO foreign aid may harm Diaspora Jews, Kariv warns

The bill aims to prevent indirect influence by foreign governments by taxing donations to NGOs that serve as their "agents of change."

 MK Gilad Kariv leads an Immigration, Absorption and Diaspora Affairs Committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem on March 11, 2025.

Nearly half of Israelis back Iran strike without US support – survey

Among Jewish Israelis, 52% support a strike compared to 34.5% who oppose it. In contrast, 76% of Arab Israelis oppose military action against Iran, with just 9% in support.

 A war between Israel and Iran (illustrative)

Letters to the editor, April 28, 2025: Judge and Jury

Readers of The Jerusalem Post have their say.

 Letters