Recent findings from the Jewish People Policy Institute indicate that internal societal divisions have become the primary concern for Israeli citizens. According to data released in December, more than half of the population identifies polarization as the most significant danger facing the nation.
The research, which surveyed individuals from both Jewish and Arab backgrounds across the political spectrum, found that 55% of respondents prioritize internal rifts over external threats. This represents the highest percentage recorded to date on this issue.
In contrast, only 23% of participants consider the Iranian nuclear program as the main danger, while just 18% view the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as the primary concern.
Divergent Perspectives Among Population Groups
Notable differences emerge when examining responses by demographic background. While 59% of Jewish participants see polarization as the greatest threat, this view is shared by only 39% of Arab respondents. Researchers suggest this gap may reflect stronger Arab identification with Palestinian causes.
Political affiliation also influences perceptions, with 73% of centrists expressing concern about internal divisions compared to 48% of right-leaning individuals.
JPPI President Professor Yedidia Stern commented on the findings, stating: "[the] JPPI Index findings show that the public is worried about the country's future and places the internal challenge - relations between population groups, the political rift, and social instability - at the top of the national priorities."
He further explained: "In the public's view, the social threat ranks above the security threat, and these data cannot be ignored when assessing national risks. For this reason, we are advancing the 'lean constitution' initiative, intended to regulate relations among the branches of government through broad, stable agreements that rise above political disputes."
The institute aims to address these concerns by "creating common ground as a remedy for Israel's social rifts" and calls for collaborative efforts to establish "fair and stable rules of the game for everyone."
