Articles

The findings of the annual survey of the Center for Security and Democracy and the Viterbi Family Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research at the Israel Democracy Institute were presented at the Annual Conference on Security and Democracy, held at the Israel Democracy Institute on Tuesday–Wednesday, November 25–26, 2025.

The survey was conducted by the Israel Democracy Institute's Center for Security and Democracy and Viterbi Family Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research.

Against the backdrop of the bills currently under consideration in the Knesset, which are intended to split the role of the Attorney General, IDI experts explain what is at stake.

The Israeli government recently announced its intention to establish its own commission of inquiry into the events of October 7, 2023, rather than forming a State Commission of Inquiry—the most authoritative, independent, and legally empowered investigative mechanism under Israeli law. As Dr. Dana Blander, a research fellow at the Israel Democracy Institute, explains, Israel’s legal framework provides for several types of investigative commissions, each differing in its degree of independence, statutory authority, and public legitimacy. Notably, the government’s recent decision does not establish a State Commission of Inquiry—the appropriate and legally grounded institution for investigating the events of October 7—nor does it create a governmental commission of inquiry. Instead, it proposes a vague, ad hoc body seemingly tailored to serve specific political interests rather than the public need for a credible and impartial investigation. This explainer outlines the existing commissions - as more information comes to light about the government's planned commission, additional analysis will be provided.

In recent weeks, United States President Donald Trump has approached Israeli President Isaac Herzog with a request to grant Prime Minister Netanyahu a pardon. Here is everything you need to know about the power of the ceremonial President of Israel to issue pardons.

The High Court handed down a decision allowing the Minister of Justice choose the civil servant to oversee the investigation into the Sde Teiman video leak affair in the Attorney General's stead. This sets a concerning precedent and ignores the current political reality in Israel.

Israel currently has six government ministries with no ministers leading them. This is not only a breach of the fundamental duty of government, it also means decisions and regulations requiring ministerial approval cannot move forward, and key public services cannot be delivered to the citizens.

The largest share of respondents think that the United States has the greater influence on security decisions relating to Israel—almost double the share of those who think that the reins of security are in the hands of the Israeli government. The majority of Israelis think that Israel’s security is one of US President Trump’s central considerations.

All participants in Israel’s public discourse would do well to use this astonishing affair to repair the legal system, not to score points against ideological rivals.

Behind the call to oppose the “persecution of Torah learners” lies a different struggle: an attempt by Haredi society to unite its ranks and strengthen a communal identity that has been eroded by the growing pressures to integrate into Israeli society, especially after two years of war.

Instead of debating electoral reforms that seek to preserve and protect the political interests of those in power, let us focus on electoral reform, such as a semi-open ballot system, that would improve governance, increase accountability, and strengthen democracy.

Knesset Summer Session: April 2025 to July 24, 2025

A special survey released as Israel prepares to mark two years since the start of the war on October 7, 2023 finds: 66% of Israelis say the time has come to end the war in Gaza – up 13 percentage points since this time last year. The top reason Israelis say the war should end is the endangerment of the hostages, among both Jews (50.5%) and Arabs (34.5%). 64% of Israelis think Netanyahu should take responsibility for Oct. 7 and resign, either now (45%) or after the war (19%).

Drawing on the prayer of atonement on Yom Kippur, the authors call on Israel's ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) leadership to seek forgiveness for refusing to share in Israel’s burdens, denying opportunity to its youth, and clinging to privilege without meeting obligations.

Ahead of Yom Kippur, this analysis looks at data collected on attendance at prayers or religious ceremonies in Orthodox synagogues, as well as in Reform or Conservative synagogues in Israel. A majority of Jewish Israelis attend synagogue at least once per year.

Microsoft's termination of certain cloud services by the IDF 8200 unit exposes other vulnerabilities in Israel's national security infrastructure. It's already impacted signal intelligence – without decisive action, the battle field and home front may be next.

Now more than ever, Israelis must be empowered to form complex, non-sloganeering positions that may not fit superficially into existing frameworks. This is the key to breaking free from the simplistic, dichotomies and gridlock in which our discourse is trapped.

Though Members of Knesset are granted immunity from prosecution under the law, legal precedent makes clear that this immunity does not apply to the stage of criminal investigations.

When and why was the Advisory Committee on Senior Civil Service Appointments established, what are its powers, and which appointments is it supposed to review? Everything you need to know about the "Grunis Committee" that is examining the candidacy of Major General Zini for head of the Shin Bet.

Heading into the Jewish New Year, Israelis express a poor national mood, though are less pessimistic about the year ahead as they were at this point last year.

With Justice Minister Yariv Levin's recent appointment as Acting Minister of Jerusalem and Jewish Heritage, he now holds five ministerial portfolios. This situation, with Levin and other ministers, is harmful to public interest and raises important legal and procedural questions.

Quantity and Demographic Profile of Visitors to the Tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov in Uman Among the Jewish Public in Israel.

One of the key sanctions under debate for Haredim who evade mandatory military conscription is a prohibition on leaving the country. By reviewing the extent and characteristics of Haredim traveling abroad, this analysis paints a picture of how such a sanction would impact Haredi society.