Why More Israelis Are Choosing to Move Abroad Now
A recent study reveals a historic surge in Israelis emigrating due to war and political instability, with experts warning that next week's election could worsen the trend.
By Alina Carter ·
Tel Aviv University professor Itai Ater argues that the upcoming national election may accelerate a significant trend in Israeli demographics. His research indicates that a record number of citizens have departed the country in recent years, and he believes the political uncertainty surrounding the vote could push more people to seek a new life elsewhere. For a nation of roughly ten million, the shift represents a major demographic change that economists are closely monitoring.
Ater and his colleagues recently published a study using data from the Central Bureau of Statistics. The analysis covered the period from January 2023 to December 2024. It found that approximately 99,000 citizens left the country during that time. The researchers defined emigrants as individuals who were absent for at least three consecutive months and spent more than 270 days abroad in their first year. The data shows about 50,000 people left in 2023 and 49,000 in 2024. Ater notes that preliminary figures suggest this high rate of departure continued into 2025.
The departure comes after a turbulent period for the state. The year 2023 saw a major attack by Hamas on southern Israel, resulting in roughly 1,200 deaths and 250 hostages. Israel responded with a large-scale military operation in the Gaza Strip. Although a fragile ceasefire was established in October 2025, Israel maintains control over about 60 percent of the territory and continues regular military activity. This prolonged conflict has contributed to economic instability and a sense of political limbo, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu still facing a corruption trial that began in 2020 without a verdict.
Netanyahu, the longest-serving leader in the country's history, is seeking another term. Current polls indicate that his far-right coalition may not secure the 61 Knesset seats required for a majority. A rival group led by Gadi Eisenkot of the Yashar party is expected to win the most seats but is also likely to fall short of governing alone. Since coalitions are typically necessary, the post-election negotiations will be crucial. Netanyahu has long been viewed as an expert in these complex coalition-building maneuvers.
Ater warns that if the political status quo remains, emigration rates could spike. He stated that these numbers will go up dramatically without a change in direction. This sentiment is shared by many citizens. Avigail Ben-Porat, a 50-year-old single mother living in Kiryat Shmona near the Lebanese border, dreams of leaving but lacks the financial means. She still hears rocket fire regularly and notes that many friends have relocated to Portugal, Canada, Thailand, and India.
Researchers are particularly concerned about the professional background of those leaving. The study highlights a sharp increase in departures among doctors, engineers, and holders of doctoral degrees in 2023 and 2024. Net departures included 2,360 engineers and 509 doctors. Ater emphasizes that Israel's economy relies heavily on this human capital, especially in the technology sector, academia, and healthcare systems.
Businesses are also considering structural changes. Liam Schwartz, who leads the corporate immigration department at the Tel Aviv law firm Goldfarb, Gross, Seligman, reports that some companies face pressure from international shareholders. Investors are worried about the viability of operating from Israel and are more open to moving parts of their workforce to North America or Europe. Schwartz traces this discontent to January 2023, when the government proposed judicial reforms that would have limited the power of the Supreme Court. He notes that many feel the government is no longer honoring its part of the social contract.
Both Ater and Schwartz view the October vote as a critical moment. It could determine whether the exodus accelerates or stabilizes. Ater describes the situation as a strategic risk to Israel's identity as a liberal democracy. He adds that the implications extend beyond national borders, affecting the Middle East and the wider global community.
