Israel and International Law

Since the outbreak of war Israel has faced with a range of legal challenges related to the ongoing conflict, both internally and in relation to international law.

On the international front Israel faces legal proceedings in both the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Criminal Court of Justice (ICJ).

In the ICJ a number of proceedings are ongoing, including a rebuttal against South Africa’s allegations of genocide in the war in Gaza and a longstanding investigation into Israeli policies and practices in occupied territories.

Additionally, the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants against senior Israeli leaders for their conduct during the war.

IDI experts break down and evaluate the legal arguments surrounding Israel’s conduct, the broader implications of these cases for Israel’s international standing and provide policy recommendations to help Israel navigate these legal challenges effectively.

 Official Submission to the ICC by Prof. Amichai Cohen and Prof. Yuval Shany 

 

Prof. Amichai Cohen explains the possible effects of ICC Warrants on Israel:

War on Hamas: The Legal Frontlines | Dr. Eran Shamir Borer & Yohanan Plesner

Dr. Gilad Malach, Research Fellow at IDI’s Ultra-Orthodox in Israel Program, spoke with Kan English Radio’s Mark Weiss about recent efforts by the United Torah Judaism (UTJ) party, an ultra-Orthodox faction in Netanyahu’s coalition, to dissolve the Knesset and trigger early parliamentary elections after the coalition failed to pass legislation exempting ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students from military service.

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? In light of the High Court hearing on petitions against the appointment of Maj.-Gen. Roman Gofman as head of the Mossad, this explainer reviews the role and composition of the “Grunis Committee,” as well as the meaning of “integrity” in senior public appointments.

What is the process and timing involved in dissolving Knesset and initiating elections? What happens between a Knesset dissolution and the forming of a new government? Is Israel's process typical compared to other countries? All your questions answered about dissolving Israeli Knesset.

In response to claims that the Supreme Court tied the hands of the IDF along the Gaza border in the years leading up to the October 7 attacks, it must be stated clearly: these allegations are completely unfounded and serve as merely a pretext to avoid setting up a state commission of inquiry.

In the wake of the announcement by the director-general of the Central Elections Committee, Orly Adas, of her resignation: What is the role of the Committee, what is the role of the director-general, what is the significance of this resignation, and what challenges will need to be addressed?

64% of Jewish Israelis and 48.5% of Arab Israelis think ending the Iran war is not compatible with Israel's security interests. 51% of Israelis think the US administration has greater influence over Israel's defense decisions than the Israeli government. A plurality of Israelis believe settler violence against Palestinians is handled too leniently.

 

In the midst of fringe calls to violence that misrepresent the Lag B'Omer pilgrimage to Mount Meron, Haredi leadership ought to speak out for public responsibility and safety. Five years after the Meron crush disaster that left forty-five dead, protecting life is not a concession. It is a moral and religious imperative.

Everything you need to know about the structure and responsibilities of Israel's Knesset (parliament) and how national elections work in Israel.

On April 26, 2026, the High Court of Justice ordered the government to take measures to enforce the draft of ultra-Orthodox men into the IDF. This includes both the withholding of certain state benefits and the imposition of criminal proceedings for draft evaders.

Former Prime Ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid announced a joint run of the "Bennett 2026" and Yesh Atid parties in the 2026 election. It is certainly possible that we will see additional joint runs like these ahead of the elections, for example, within the center bloc, the right-wing bloc, and among the Arab parties. The assumption is that such a run would benefit the parties and the bloc. But is this assumption correct?

Hungary's incoming prime minister declared his intention to institute term limits for the prime minister – an exceptional move for a parliament. While similar ideas have been proposed in Israel, term limits are not a substitute for strong democratic institutions based on oversight and checks and balances.

Nadav Dagan (PhD), Senior Researcher at the Israel Democracy Institute and Research Fellow at the Minerva Center (University of Haifa), together with Daphne Benvenisty, a researcher at the Israel Democracy Institute, join the Minerva Center for the Rule of Law under Extreme Conditions at the University of Haifa, for a seminar where they present findings from their comparative study on Autocratization and States of Emergency. Their study presents a show a clear link between the use of 'states of emergency' and accelerated erosion or dismantling of democracy, and autocratic consolidation.

On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, the High Court of Justice heard petitions filed against the continuation of MK Itamar Ben-Gvir’s term as minister of national security, against the background of allegations of his improper involvement in the activities of the Israel Police and violations of its professional independence. The hearing was an expanded panel of nine justices.

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.

 

 

 

 

For years, Orbán’s leadership model served as proof of concept for populist leaders that liberal democracy could be dismantled gradually, legally, and with public support. His defeat could have an impact far beyond the borders of Hungary.

For the first time in history, it is possible to turn an old photograph into a living video and to generate a voice that sounds exactly like a lost loved one. If digital tools can reconstruct and fill in our memories, they are also capable of rewriting them.

The discourse around the impact of AI on the labor market tends to be centered on forecasts of how many jobs will be lost due to AI. The future is indeed uncertain, but this debate misses the mark. We now have a clearer view of what is already happening in Israel's labor market (as of 2025) that should shift the debate towards how to prepare and equip the labor market and education system for the changes that are unfolding. The answer to preparedness lies in human capital and a holistic economic approach.

49% of Jewish Israelis say Israel's strategic and security situation is better than before the war with Iran, while among Arabs, 49% say it is worse. 92% of Jews gave the IDF a high rating on their management of the war; only 38% gave the government high ratings. Among Arabs, 34.5% gave the IDF high ratings; only 10% gave the government high ratings.

Dr. Amir Fuchs, Senior Researcher at IDI's Center for Democratic Values and Institutions, joins Israeli journalist Yonit Levi and British journalist Jonathan Freedland on their podcast "Unholy: Two Jews on the News," to discuss the controversial death penalty bill that recently passed in Israel's Knesset. He explains what the new law contains, who it targets, and whether it is likely to be struck down by the courts.

A "special state of emergency" has been applied over the years due to security crises, the COVID pandemic, and now the war with Iran. How does this affect the regulation of the courts and the power of the Minister of Justice?

Over three-quarters of the Jewish public supports continuing the war, while among Arabs, only 19% support it – this marks a decline in both publics since the first week of the war. Among both Jews and Arabs, Operation Roaring Lion has improved assessments of the level of solidarity in Israeli society as a whole. Both Jews and Arabs think that Iran’s resilience has proven to be somewhat stronger or much stronger than anticipated by the operation’s planners.

A bill seeking to expand the powers of religious courts and to allow them to arbitrate in civil disputes passed into law. What does the law say, what are the implications for fundamental rights, and is it possible to ensure that arbitration is entered into voluntarily by all parties?

In Haredi society, the question of whether or not to follow IDF Home Front Command instructions can sometimes be far from straightforward. The Haredi leadership needs to speak up clearly and uniformly and call for full obedience to these instructions.

The decision for Knesset to advance highly controversial legislation during the war with Iran, and under a special home front situation, risks undermining proper legislative processes, impeding public debate on the issues, and hindering the ability of elected officials to address urgent war-related matters.

The cyberattacks we have seen since the beginning of the conflict with Iran are a reminder that the digital front of the war is not marginal. Now is the time to implement cyber regulations that can help protect the business community and civilian infrastructure. 

The Pardons Department in the Ministry of Justice writes that they cannot determine the President of the State has the authority to pardon Prime Minister Netanyahu, nor can they recommend the extraordinary and far-reaching step of doing so.

A majority of Jews (82%) and just over one-half of Arabs (52%) think that the interests of the US and Israel are very strongly or fairly strongly aligned in the joint operation in Iran. Around 70% of Jews think that Iran’s nuclear project and the threat of ballistic missiles can be eliminated. A smaller, though still large, share (61%) believes that the regime of the ayatollahs can be overthrown; Arabs are more pessimistic - just over a quarter, but less than a third, think that each of these goals can be achieved.

The draft exemption bill has been “set aside” for now, and it appears increasingly unlikely that the (non-)conscription law will be finalized in the current Knesset. This explainer reviews the history of the bill, explains the manner in which the existing law is expected to be enforced, and assesses the chances of the government passing an exemption law after the war is over but before the upcoming election. 

Just before the launch of the war, 53% of Jews and 29% of Arabs supported direct military involvement with the US in an attack against Iran, while 41% of Jews and 58.5% of Arabs supported responding only in the event of a direct Iranian attack against Israel. After Operation Roaring Lion was launched, in close coordination with the US, the overwhelming majority of Jews (93%) and minority of Arabs (26%) supported it.

The impressive improvement in women's representation in the Knesset that was seen between 1999 and 2015 has halted in the past decade. This is true in government as well, where the representation of women is actually regressing rather than improving compared to the previous government, and is particularly low compared to other democracies.

What are the implications of declaring a “special home front situation,” and what powers does such a declaration confer to Israeli authorities? What rights do citizens have in areas regarding which such a declaration has been made? What’s the difference between a “special home front situation” and the ongoing “emergency situation” that has long been in force in Israel? This article explains these issues, and more.

What can we learn from South Korea, India, Hungary, Venezuela, and Turkey? Findings from a comparative study show a clear link between the use of 'states of emergency' and accelerated erosion or dismantling of democracy, and autocratic consolidation.

All your questions answered about the "Western Wall Law" under debate this week, the religious, political, and judicial background that led to the present situation, and where we might go from here in this core question of the balance of religion and state in Israel.

The regression in women’s representation in Israel is not a decree of fate but the result of political choices, and precisely in an election period, parties have a real opportunity to reverse this trend.

Research into the government's key discounted housing program, which takes place through national lottery rounds, finds shifting patterns of the government's prioritization by geography and population group.

A reform that introduces a personalized component to Israel's elections would strengthen voter influence, enhance accountability of those voted into power, and improve Israel's democratic system.

Professor Karnit Flug, former Governor of the Bank of Israel from 2013 to 2018, and William Davidson Senior Fellow for Economic Policy at IDI's Center for Governance and the Economy, joined Amichai Magen, a Senior Research Scholar at Stanford's Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law (CDDRL) and the founding director of the center's Jan Koum Israel Studies Program. After two years of war and growing international challenges, where is the Israeli economy now, and where might it be going? 

Israel's decline in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, though moderate as of now, points to a concerning trend, especially taken together with recent IDI survey findings on the topic. But steps can be taken to restore norms and strengthen institutions that combat corruption.

Advancing civic readiness in the Arab education and informal education systems would help empower young Arab Israelis and steer them away from criminal organizations.

IDI experts argue for a universal obligation to serve, as opposed to the model of the latest "conscription" bill, which would be harmful to Israel's security and social solidarity. However, if the present legislation does move forward, the points presented here would mitigate the harm in the proposed bill.

Withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement would undermine Israeli companies’ ability to meet the environmental standards of their trade partners, which could impact the entire economy.

The following is an executive summary and key findings from a full study, which can be found in Hebrew here.

44% of the total sample supports direct military involvement in a potential US attack on Iran while 50% support participating only if Israel is attacked by Iran. The largest share (49%) think that Israel’s security will be harmed by reduced military aid from the US, down to zero, while 39.5% think it will not be harmed. Rise in optimism for the future of all four topics: democratic rule, national security, economy, and social cohesion.

 

A fabricated AI-generated image of Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid posted on the Likud's social media accounts is a clear demonstration of a dangerous new form of election propaganda. Urgent steps must be taken to prohibit the use of such materials against one's political opponents.

First chapter of six of the 'Statistical Report on Ultra-Orthodox Society in Israel'

Second chapter of six of the 'Statistical Report on Ultra-Orthodox Society in Israel'

Third chapter of six of the 'Statistical Report on Ultra-Orthodox Society in Israel'

Fourth chapter of six of the 'Statistical Report on Ultra-Orthodox Society in Israel'

Fifth chapter of six of the 'Statistical Report on Ultra-Orthodox Society in Israel'

Sixth chapter of six of the 'Statistical Report on Ultra-Orthodox Society in Israel'

Why is the Knesset automatically dissolved if the budget is not approved? When was this rule established, and when was the last time elections were brought forward due to the failure to pass the state budget? All the answers.

Israel is entering a pivotal election year—its first since the judicial overhaul and the war that began on October 7, 2023. Throughout the year, IDI is asking its experts which issues will shape the election campaign. IDI President Yohanan Plesner is watching three key areas: national security, including efforts to advance regional stability and examine the failures surrounding October 7; ultra-Orthodox conscription, given the IDF’s manpower needs and the post-war reality; and Israel’s democratic character, as questions surrounding the rule of law and checks and balances return to the center of the public agenda.

The Supreme Court is currently conducting a hearing that could signal a constitutional crisis—a contempt-of-court motion filed in the case of the Movement for Quality Government in Israel v. Minister of Defense (5819/24), which argues that the government has not complied with the Court’s ruling of November 19, 2025 requiring it to formulate an effective enforcement plan for ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) conscription.

This explainer reviews the background to the Court’s ruling, and considers whether Israel merely faces the risk of a constitutional crisis, or whether such a crisis is already here.

With unprecedented technological tools in the hands of foreign and domestic actors, the proliferation of chatbots in the information ecosystem, and outdated regulatory frameworks, the integrity of Israel's 2026 elections will be tested like never before.

Dr. Dana Blander, discussed the implications of the government-backed legislation to establish a politically appointed commission of inquiry into the October 7 attack in an interview with KAN reporter Naomi Segal. She explained the differences between a politically appointed commission and a State Commission of Inquiry, and raised concerns about the independence, credibility, and polarizing nature of the proposed commission.

The government’s refusal to formulate an enforcement plan for drafting ultra-Orthodox men, in defiance of a ruling by the High Court of Justice, places Israel before an unprecedented crisis. The Court faces only bad options—but it may have no choice other than to step into the shoes of the executive branch and move toward active enforcement.

A bill that would subordinate the professional work of IDF's highest legal authority to the IDF Chief of Staff, rather than the Attorney General, would have grave consequences for the rule of law, the IDF, and all who serve in it.

Dr. Khader Sawaed, Head of IDI’s Arab Society in Israel Program, spoke with KAN English Radio about rising crime in Arab communities and the various policy approaches being discussed to address it, including the role and functioning of police stations in these communities.

While the police shooting in Tarabin is still under investigation, the events leading up to the shooting reflect a systemic failure in the police's approach to combatting crime in Arab society, and raise concerns about politicization of the police.

Around three-quarters of Jews and one third of Arabs think it is safer to live in Israel than countries abroad. There has been a decline by about 10 percentage points in the share of Israelis who support a state commission of inquiry into the events of October 7. A small majority of Israelis (54%) think Prime Minister Netanyahu was aware of the link between his close advisors and Qatar.

The court’s ruling about who can oversee an obstruction of justice investigation into military officials has broad rule-of-law implications.

Eric Goldstein, CEO of UJA-Federation of New York, joined Yohanan Plesner, President of the Israel Democracy Institute, and Shlomit Ravitsky Tur-Paz, Director of IDI’s Joan and Irwin Jacobs Center for Shared Society, for an online conversation on “The Fifth Tribe,” the challenges facing American Jewry, and the relationship between Israel and the Jewish diaspora during the war and beyond.

Former President Reuven Rivlin, IDI's Honorary Chair and Joan and Irwin Jacobs Distinguished Fellow, joined IDI's Vice President for Research Prof. Suzie Navot at the annual Shared Society Conference for a conversation on political polarization, the urgent need for genuine constitutional reform, and what it truly means to uphold the principles of a democratic and Jewish state.

Ambassador Dennis Ross, the counselor and William Davidson Distinguished Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, joined IDI President Yohanan Plesner and Shira Barbibay-Shaham on a special English-language episode of their podcast for a discussion on the emerging regional order in the Middle East, U.S.–Israel relations, and President Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza.

The proposal to advance a politically appointed commission of inquiry into the events of October 7 is a significant departure from the accepted model of an independent state commission of inquiry. This explainer compares the two models and lays out the key details of each one.

release of the IDI's Israeli Democracy Index earlier this week, we're pleased to present the findings of a special chapter on Israeli public opinion ahead of 2026 national elections in Israel.

In the aftermath of the Bondi beach Chanukkah shooting, we saw, yet again, an online ecosystem primed to flood the system with antisemitic content and disinformation about the attack. Policymakers must set basic conditions for safeguarding democratic societies in a world where physical attacks and digital narratives are so deeply intertwined.

Diverting hundreds of millions of shekels from the five-year plan for Arab society toward enforcement and security will harm both the effort to reduce socioeconomic gaps and personal security.

The Israeli government’s decision to establish its own committee to investigate the failures on October 7 is not enough.

Dr. Gilad Malach, Research Fellow in IDI’s Ultra-Orthodox in Israel Program, spoke with KAN English Radio about the findings from IDI’s 10th Annual Statistical Report on Ultra-Orthodox Society.

The opinion is correct that Israel violated international law by cutting ties with UNRWA, but some broader observations are questionable.

50% of Israelis do not think President Herzog should grant Prime Minister Netanyahu a pardon; 41% think he should. 45% of Israelis think Israel’s security forces and law enforcement agencies are too lenient in their treatment of settler groups involved in acts of violence against Palestinians; 22% think they are too harsh; 21% think their treatment is appropriate. 61% of Jews think the decision to sell F-35 war planes to Saudi Arabia harms Israel’s security.

The following is a summary of the key findings of IDI research on Israelis who express a desire to move abroad, including a sociodemographic profile, considerations and purpose of wanting to leave, and additional analysis. The research is based on a survey of a representative sample of Israeli adults, including 720 Jews and 187 Arabs. The data were collected April 6-17, 2025 by CI Marketing and Research.

IDI Research Fellow Dr. Gilad Malach joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on the Times of Israel weekly podcast, What Matters Now. They discuss the contentious matter of ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) conscription, including the history of Haredi exemption from IDF service, modern cultural norms in Haredi society, and the current Haredi conscription proposal making its way through Knesset.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested a presidential pardon while his trial is ongoing. President Isaac Herzog has an unprecedented decision before him that throws him into the thick of Israel's political divides.

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.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested a pardon from President Isaac Herzog. Here's everything you need to know about the presidential pardon process in Israel.

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.

Dr. Amir Fuchs, Senior Researcher at the Israel Democracy Institute, speaks to BBC reporter James Coomarasamy on 'The World Tonight' on BBC radio, on what the death penalty law proposal means for Israel and it's legal implications.

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.

Dr. Gilad Malach, Research Fellow at IDI’s Ultra-Orthodox in Israel Program, spoke with Kan English Radio’s Mark Weiss about recent efforts by the United Torah Judaism (UTJ) party, an ultra-Orthodox faction in Netanyahu’s coalition, to dissolve the Knesset and trigger early parliamentary elections after the coalition failed to pass legislation exempting ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students from military service.

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? In light of the High Court hearing on petitions against the appointment of Maj.-Gen. Roman Gofman as head of the Mossad, this explainer reviews the role and composition of the “Grunis Committee,” as well as the meaning of “integrity” in senior public appointments.

What is the process and timing involved in dissolving Knesset and initiating elections? What happens between a Knesset dissolution and the forming of a new government? Is Israel's process typical compared to other countries? All your questions answered about dissolving Israeli Knesset.

In response to claims that the Supreme Court tied the hands of the IDF along the Gaza border in the years leading up to the October 7 attacks, it must be stated clearly: these allegations are completely unfounded and serve as merely a pretext to avoid setting up a state commission of inquiry.

In the wake of the announcement by the director-general of the Central Elections Committee, Orly Adas, of her resignation: What is the role of the Committee, what is the role of the director-general, what is the significance of this resignation, and what challenges will need to be addressed?

64% of Jewish Israelis and 48.5% of Arab Israelis think ending the Iran war is not compatible with Israel's security interests. 51% of Israelis think the US administration has greater influence over Israel's defense decisions than the Israeli government. A plurality of Israelis believe settler violence against Palestinians is handled too leniently.

 

In the midst of fringe calls to violence that misrepresent the Lag B'Omer pilgrimage to Mount Meron, Haredi leadership ought to speak out for public responsibility and safety. Five years after the Meron crush disaster that left forty-five dead, protecting life is not a concession. It is a moral and religious imperative.

Everything you need to know about the structure and responsibilities of Israel's Knesset (parliament) and how national elections work in Israel.

On April 26, 2026, the High Court of Justice ordered the government to take measures to enforce the draft of ultra-Orthodox men into the IDF. This includes both the withholding of certain state benefits and the imposition of criminal proceedings for draft evaders.

Former Prime Ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid announced a joint run of the "Bennett 2026" and Yesh Atid parties in the 2026 election. It is certainly possible that we will see additional joint runs like these ahead of the elections, for example, within the center bloc, the right-wing bloc, and among the Arab parties. The assumption is that such a run would benefit the parties and the bloc. But is this assumption correct?

Hungary's incoming prime minister declared his intention to institute term limits for the prime minister – an exceptional move for a parliament. While similar ideas have been proposed in Israel, term limits are not a substitute for strong democratic institutions based on oversight and checks and balances.

Nadav Dagan (PhD), Senior Researcher at the Israel Democracy Institute and Research Fellow at the Minerva Center (University of Haifa), together with Daphne Benvenisty, a researcher at the Israel Democracy Institute, join the Minerva Center for the Rule of Law under Extreme Conditions at the University of Haifa, for a seminar where they present findings from their comparative study on Autocratization and States of Emergency. Their study presents a show a clear link between the use of 'states of emergency' and accelerated erosion or dismantling of democracy, and autocratic consolidation.

On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, the High Court of Justice heard petitions filed against the continuation of MK Itamar Ben-Gvir’s term as minister of national security, against the background of allegations of his improper involvement in the activities of the Israel Police and violations of its professional independence. The hearing was an expanded panel of nine justices.

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.

 

 

 

 

For years, Orbán’s leadership model served as proof of concept for populist leaders that liberal democracy could be dismantled gradually, legally, and with public support. His defeat could have an impact far beyond the borders of Hungary.

For the first time in history, it is possible to turn an old photograph into a living video and to generate a voice that sounds exactly like a lost loved one. If digital tools can reconstruct and fill in our memories, they are also capable of rewriting them.

The discourse around the impact of AI on the labor market tends to be centered on forecasts of how many jobs will be lost due to AI. The future is indeed uncertain, but this debate misses the mark. We now have a clearer view of what is already happening in Israel's labor market (as of 2025) that should shift the debate towards how to prepare and equip the labor market and education system for the changes that are unfolding. The answer to preparedness lies in human capital and a holistic economic approach.

49% of Jewish Israelis say Israel's strategic and security situation is better than before the war with Iran, while among Arabs, 49% say it is worse. 92% of Jews gave the IDF a high rating on their management of the war; only 38% gave the government high ratings. Among Arabs, 34.5% gave the IDF high ratings; only 10% gave the government high ratings.

Dr. Amir Fuchs, Senior Researcher at IDI's Center for Democratic Values and Institutions, joins Israeli journalist Yonit Levi and British journalist Jonathan Freedland on their podcast "Unholy: Two Jews on the News," to discuss the controversial death penalty bill that recently passed in Israel's Knesset. He explains what the new law contains, who it targets, and whether it is likely to be struck down by the courts.

A "special state of emergency" has been applied over the years due to security crises, the COVID pandemic, and now the war with Iran. How does this affect the regulation of the courts and the power of the Minister of Justice?

Over three-quarters of the Jewish public supports continuing the war, while among Arabs, only 19% support it – this marks a decline in both publics since the first week of the war. Among both Jews and Arabs, Operation Roaring Lion has improved assessments of the level of solidarity in Israeli society as a whole. Both Jews and Arabs think that Iran’s resilience has proven to be somewhat stronger or much stronger than anticipated by the operation’s planners.

A bill seeking to expand the powers of religious courts and to allow them to arbitrate in civil disputes passed into law. What does the law say, what are the implications for fundamental rights, and is it possible to ensure that arbitration is entered into voluntarily by all parties?

In Haredi society, the question of whether or not to follow IDF Home Front Command instructions can sometimes be far from straightforward. The Haredi leadership needs to speak up clearly and uniformly and call for full obedience to these instructions.

The decision for Knesset to advance highly controversial legislation during the war with Iran, and under a special home front situation, risks undermining proper legislative processes, impeding public debate on the issues, and hindering the ability of elected officials to address urgent war-related matters.

The cyberattacks we have seen since the beginning of the conflict with Iran are a reminder that the digital front of the war is not marginal. Now is the time to implement cyber regulations that can help protect the business community and civilian infrastructure. 

The Pardons Department in the Ministry of Justice writes that they cannot determine the President of the State has the authority to pardon Prime Minister Netanyahu, nor can they recommend the extraordinary and far-reaching step of doing so.

A majority of Jews (82%) and just over one-half of Arabs (52%) think that the interests of the US and Israel are very strongly or fairly strongly aligned in the joint operation in Iran. Around 70% of Jews think that Iran’s nuclear project and the threat of ballistic missiles can be eliminated. A smaller, though still large, share (61%) believes that the regime of the ayatollahs can be overthrown; Arabs are more pessimistic - just over a quarter, but less than a third, think that each of these goals can be achieved.

The draft exemption bill has been “set aside” for now, and it appears increasingly unlikely that the (non-)conscription law will be finalized in the current Knesset. This explainer reviews the history of the bill, explains the manner in which the existing law is expected to be enforced, and assesses the chances of the government passing an exemption law after the war is over but before the upcoming election. 

Just before the launch of the war, 53% of Jews and 29% of Arabs supported direct military involvement with the US in an attack against Iran, while 41% of Jews and 58.5% of Arabs supported responding only in the event of a direct Iranian attack against Israel. After Operation Roaring Lion was launched, in close coordination with the US, the overwhelming majority of Jews (93%) and minority of Arabs (26%) supported it.

The impressive improvement in women's representation in the Knesset that was seen between 1999 and 2015 has halted in the past decade. This is true in government as well, where the representation of women is actually regressing rather than improving compared to the previous government, and is particularly low compared to other democracies.

What are the implications of declaring a “special home front situation,” and what powers does such a declaration confer to Israeli authorities? What rights do citizens have in areas regarding which such a declaration has been made? What’s the difference between a “special home front situation” and the ongoing “emergency situation” that has long been in force in Israel? This article explains these issues, and more.

What can we learn from South Korea, India, Hungary, Venezuela, and Turkey? Findings from a comparative study show a clear link between the use of 'states of emergency' and accelerated erosion or dismantling of democracy, and autocratic consolidation.

All your questions answered about the "Western Wall Law" under debate this week, the religious, political, and judicial background that led to the present situation, and where we might go from here in this core question of the balance of religion and state in Israel.

The regression in women’s representation in Israel is not a decree of fate but the result of political choices, and precisely in an election period, parties have a real opportunity to reverse this trend.

Research into the government's key discounted housing program, which takes place through national lottery rounds, finds shifting patterns of the government's prioritization by geography and population group.

A reform that introduces a personalized component to Israel's elections would strengthen voter influence, enhance accountability of those voted into power, and improve Israel's democratic system.

Professor Karnit Flug, former Governor of the Bank of Israel from 2013 to 2018, and William Davidson Senior Fellow for Economic Policy at IDI's Center for Governance and the Economy, joined Amichai Magen, a Senior Research Scholar at Stanford's Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law (CDDRL) and the founding director of the center's Jan Koum Israel Studies Program. After two years of war and growing international challenges, where is the Israeli economy now, and where might it be going? 

Israel's decline in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, though moderate as of now, points to a concerning trend, especially taken together with recent IDI survey findings on the topic. But steps can be taken to restore norms and strengthen institutions that combat corruption.

Advancing civic readiness in the Arab education and informal education systems would help empower young Arab Israelis and steer them away from criminal organizations.

IDI experts argue for a universal obligation to serve, as opposed to the model of the latest "conscription" bill, which would be harmful to Israel's security and social solidarity. However, if the present legislation does move forward, the points presented here would mitigate the harm in the proposed bill.

Withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement would undermine Israeli companies’ ability to meet the environmental standards of their trade partners, which could impact the entire economy.

The following is an executive summary and key findings from a full study, which can be found in Hebrew here.

44% of the total sample supports direct military involvement in a potential US attack on Iran while 50% support participating only if Israel is attacked by Iran. The largest share (49%) think that Israel’s security will be harmed by reduced military aid from the US, down to zero, while 39.5% think it will not be harmed. Rise in optimism for the future of all four topics: democratic rule, national security, economy, and social cohesion.

 

A fabricated AI-generated image of Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid posted on the Likud's social media accounts is a clear demonstration of a dangerous new form of election propaganda. Urgent steps must be taken to prohibit the use of such materials against one's political opponents.

First chapter of six of the 'Statistical Report on Ultra-Orthodox Society in Israel'

Second chapter of six of the 'Statistical Report on Ultra-Orthodox Society in Israel'

Third chapter of six of the 'Statistical Report on Ultra-Orthodox Society in Israel'

Fourth chapter of six of the 'Statistical Report on Ultra-Orthodox Society in Israel'

Fifth chapter of six of the 'Statistical Report on Ultra-Orthodox Society in Israel'

Sixth chapter of six of the 'Statistical Report on Ultra-Orthodox Society in Israel'

Why is the Knesset automatically dissolved if the budget is not approved? When was this rule established, and when was the last time elections were brought forward due to the failure to pass the state budget? All the answers.

Israel is entering a pivotal election year—its first since the judicial overhaul and the war that began on October 7, 2023. Throughout the year, IDI is asking its experts which issues will shape the election campaign. IDI President Yohanan Plesner is watching three key areas: national security, including efforts to advance regional stability and examine the failures surrounding October 7; ultra-Orthodox conscription, given the IDF’s manpower needs and the post-war reality; and Israel’s democratic character, as questions surrounding the rule of law and checks and balances return to the center of the public agenda.

The Supreme Court is currently conducting a hearing that could signal a constitutional crisis—a contempt-of-court motion filed in the case of the Movement for Quality Government in Israel v. Minister of Defense (5819/24), which argues that the government has not complied with the Court’s ruling of November 19, 2025 requiring it to formulate an effective enforcement plan for ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) conscription.

This explainer reviews the background to the Court’s ruling, and considers whether Israel merely faces the risk of a constitutional crisis, or whether such a crisis is already here.

With unprecedented technological tools in the hands of foreign and domestic actors, the proliferation of chatbots in the information ecosystem, and outdated regulatory frameworks, the integrity of Israel's 2026 elections will be tested like never before.

Dr. Dana Blander, discussed the implications of the government-backed legislation to establish a politically appointed commission of inquiry into the October 7 attack in an interview with KAN reporter Naomi Segal. She explained the differences between a politically appointed commission and a State Commission of Inquiry, and raised concerns about the independence, credibility, and polarizing nature of the proposed commission.

The government’s refusal to formulate an enforcement plan for drafting ultra-Orthodox men, in defiance of a ruling by the High Court of Justice, places Israel before an unprecedented crisis. The Court faces only bad options—but it may have no choice other than to step into the shoes of the executive branch and move toward active enforcement.

A bill that would subordinate the professional work of IDF's highest legal authority to the IDF Chief of Staff, rather than the Attorney General, would have grave consequences for the rule of law, the IDF, and all who serve in it.

Dr. Khader Sawaed, Head of IDI’s Arab Society in Israel Program, spoke with KAN English Radio about rising crime in Arab communities and the various policy approaches being discussed to address it, including the role and functioning of police stations in these communities.

While the police shooting in Tarabin is still under investigation, the events leading up to the shooting reflect a systemic failure in the police's approach to combatting crime in Arab society, and raise concerns about politicization of the police.

Around three-quarters of Jews and one third of Arabs think it is safer to live in Israel than countries abroad. There has been a decline by about 10 percentage points in the share of Israelis who support a state commission of inquiry into the events of October 7. A small majority of Israelis (54%) think Prime Minister Netanyahu was aware of the link between his close advisors and Qatar.

The court’s ruling about who can oversee an obstruction of justice investigation into military officials has broad rule-of-law implications.

Eric Goldstein, CEO of UJA-Federation of New York, joined Yohanan Plesner, President of the Israel Democracy Institute, and Shlomit Ravitsky Tur-Paz, Director of IDI’s Joan and Irwin Jacobs Center for Shared Society, for an online conversation on “The Fifth Tribe,” the challenges facing American Jewry, and the relationship between Israel and the Jewish diaspora during the war and beyond.

Former President Reuven Rivlin, IDI's Honorary Chair and Joan and Irwin Jacobs Distinguished Fellow, joined IDI's Vice President for Research Prof. Suzie Navot at the annual Shared Society Conference for a conversation on political polarization, the urgent need for genuine constitutional reform, and what it truly means to uphold the principles of a democratic and Jewish state.

Ambassador Dennis Ross, the counselor and William Davidson Distinguished Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, joined IDI President Yohanan Plesner and Shira Barbibay-Shaham on a special English-language episode of their podcast for a discussion on the emerging regional order in the Middle East, U.S.–Israel relations, and President Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza.

The proposal to advance a politically appointed commission of inquiry into the events of October 7 is a significant departure from the accepted model of an independent state commission of inquiry. This explainer compares the two models and lays out the key details of each one.

release of the IDI's Israeli Democracy Index earlier this week, we're pleased to present the findings of a special chapter on Israeli public opinion ahead of 2026 national elections in Israel.

In the aftermath of the Bondi beach Chanukkah shooting, we saw, yet again, an online ecosystem primed to flood the system with antisemitic content and disinformation about the attack. Policymakers must set basic conditions for safeguarding democratic societies in a world where physical attacks and digital narratives are so deeply intertwined.

Diverting hundreds of millions of shekels from the five-year plan for Arab society toward enforcement and security will harm both the effort to reduce socioeconomic gaps and personal security.

The Israeli government’s decision to establish its own committee to investigate the failures on October 7 is not enough.

Dr. Gilad Malach, Research Fellow in IDI’s Ultra-Orthodox in Israel Program, spoke with KAN English Radio about the findings from IDI’s 10th Annual Statistical Report on Ultra-Orthodox Society.

The opinion is correct that Israel violated international law by cutting ties with UNRWA, but some broader observations are questionable.

50% of Israelis do not think President Herzog should grant Prime Minister Netanyahu a pardon; 41% think he should. 45% of Israelis think Israel’s security forces and law enforcement agencies are too lenient in their treatment of settler groups involved in acts of violence against Palestinians; 22% think they are too harsh; 21% think their treatment is appropriate. 61% of Jews think the decision to sell F-35 war planes to Saudi Arabia harms Israel’s security.

The following is a summary of the key findings of IDI research on Israelis who express a desire to move abroad, including a sociodemographic profile, considerations and purpose of wanting to leave, and additional analysis. The research is based on a survey of a representative sample of Israeli adults, including 720 Jews and 187 Arabs. The data were collected April 6-17, 2025 by CI Marketing and Research.

IDI Research Fellow Dr. Gilad Malach joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on the Times of Israel weekly podcast, What Matters Now. They discuss the contentious matter of ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) conscription, including the history of Haredi exemption from IDF service, modern cultural norms in Haredi society, and the current Haredi conscription proposal making its way through Knesset.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested a presidential pardon while his trial is ongoing. President Isaac Herzog has an unprecedented decision before him that throws him into the thick of Israel's political divides.

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.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested a pardon from President Isaac Herzog. Here's everything you need to know about the presidential pardon process in Israel.

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.

Dr. Amir Fuchs, Senior Researcher at the Israel Democracy Institute, speaks to BBC reporter James Coomarasamy on 'The World Tonight' on BBC radio, on what the death penalty law proposal means for Israel and it's legal implications.

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.