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


55% of Israelis want IDF to kill terrorists who are no longer a threat - poll

In addition, just under half (45.5%) of Israelis support targeting civilian populations in Gaza to deter rockets being fired into Israel, which marks a jump from 27.5% in 2018.

 IDF 'Chariot of Fire' drill.

Who is a Jew? 70% of Jewish Israelis say patrilineal descent doesn't count

The poll is the IDI's biennial statistical report and serves as an in-depth look at the balance between religion and state that is so central to Israel and Israeli society.

Israeli police officers clash with Ultra Orthodox Jewish men during a protest against the enforcement of coronavirus emergency regulations, in the Ultra Orthodox jewish neighborhood of Mea Shearim, Jerusalem, October 4, 2020

Likud's use of reserved slots keep the number of women MKs low - opinion

Opposition head Benjamin Netanyahu's use of reserved slots in Israel's Likud Party has become the focus of bitter competition among women.

 Former prime minister Naftali Bennett and the female ministers in the government pose for a photo with visiting German chancellor Angela Merkel earlier this year.

Who is to blame for dispute between Finance Ministry, Israeli teachers? - poll

Israelis have their say on the ongoing teachers' crisis as no agreement made yet, two days before Israel's schools are set to open.

 EDUCATION MINISTER Yifat Shasha-Biton visits a classroom last year. Will this school year open on time?

Fewer Israelis confident in Biden than Trump on global affairs - poll

In a separate poll, the Israel Democracy Institute found that most Israelis (54%) do not trust Biden to take Israel’s interests into account.

Donald Trump and Joe Biden

Half of Jewish Israelis support Jewish prayer on Temple Mount - poll

Haredi respondents in an IDI poll were largely opposed to Jewish prayer at the site.

 SECURITY FORCES guard Jews visiting the Temple Mount on Tisha Be'av, a day of mourning the destruction of the Holy Temple

Is the Holocaust different from other genocides in history? - survey

The Democracy Institute's Israeli Voice Index examined the connection between the Holocaust and how Israelis compare it to other events.

 Holocaust Remembrance Day observed in Tel Aviv.

Only 18% of Israeli public trusts public security minister - poll

A majority of Israelis expressed concerns about their personal safety amid a wave of terrorist attacks.

 Public Security Minister Omer Bar Lev at the scene of a terrorist attack that left one dead and three injured, November 21, 2021.

Most Israelis back government's policy on Ukraine-Russia war - survey

Where Israelis start to disagree on open immigration for Ukrainian refugees is when looking into their political beliefs.

 Ukrainian Jewish refugees arriving at Ben-Gurion Airport, March 6, 2022.

Israel is ready for the next COVID-19 wave - Israeli Voice Index

When asked to name the government's most influential figure, 39% of respondents said they are unable to answer the question.

 Press conference with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz and Education Minister Yifat Shasha-Biton on the new COVID-19 regulations for children, January 20, 2021