Survey among Israelis: little trust in Netanyahu

A recent nationwide survey by the Israeli security institute INSS shows that a clear majority of Israelis are deeply concerned about internal tensions and political interference in state institutions.

More than 80 percent of the population believe that the Israeli armed forces are subject to varying degrees of political pressure and that political actors are trying to instrumentalize the IDF in the domestic power struggle. This assessment is shared across all political camps.

At the same time, trust in the political leadership is low and highly polarized: Only 23 percent express high trust, while 76 percent say they have low trust. Just 32% of the population express a high level of trust in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while 68% express little or no trust. Trust in Defense Minister Israel Katz is also low: only 23% report a high level of trust. 71% of the population (71%) have little or no confidence in the Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir.

IDF remains a stable anchor

However, trust in the IDF remains high. A majority of the Israeli population (75%) expresses great trust in the IDF (33% to a very great extent, 41% to a fairly great extent), while around 24% say they have little trust. Trust is very high among Jewish respondents (85%), while among Arab respondents only 32% express high trust and 63% low trust.

58 percent of the population have great confidence in the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, which represents a slight decrease compared to November.

Confidence in the IDF’s internal investigations into the events of October 7 has risen further: 51% say they have a high level of confidence – the highest level since this survey began in July 2024.

Internal tensions as the greatest security threat

The greatest concern of Israelis is not external enemies, but internal social conflicts: 83% express strong concern about social tensions. Although external threats such as Iran, Gaza or Lebanon are taken seriously, they rank behind internal challenges. At the same time, the personal sense of security is low and highly polarized, especially between Jewish and Arab citizens of Israel.

A narrow majority (54%) supports the transition to phase B of the ceasefire in Gaza, although approval clearly runs along political and ethnic lines.

A cautious look ahead

Despite the tense present, more than a third of Israelis are cautiously optimistic about the next five years and expect the national security situation to improve. However, this optimism is unevenly distributed and reflects the country’s deep political and social fragmentation.

Survey: INSS – Findings of the National Security Survey: December 2025