Birth rates in Israel have changed significantly – CBS data

Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics released new birth rate data, showing a notable increase among the Jewish population. In the first half of 2026, 66,753 children were born to Jewish mothers — 2.6% more than the previous year. Growth was recorded for four consecutive months, with a 4.2% spike in June. Over the past 12 months, the number of newborns in this group reached 137,343 — an absolute record since 1996.

Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics published new demographic data, recording a significant increase in birth rates among the Jewish population. In the first half of 2026, 66,753 children were born to Jewish mothers — 2.6% more than the same period last year. Steady growth was recorded for four consecutive months, from March to June. In June, the rate jumped 4.2% compared to last year. Over the past 12 months, the total number of newborns in this group reached 137,343 — an absolute record in the history of modern state statistics since 1996. The demographic map is changing: while in the early 2000s birth rates among Arab women significantly exceeded Jewish rates, the situation is now different. In the first half of 2026, growth among the Arab and Muslim population was only about 0.5%, and in June a 4.1% decline was recorded among Arab mothers. Nevertheless, due to a younger average age, the Arab community continues to grow — from 2.12 to 2.17 million people over the year, while the Jewish population grew from 7.27 to 7.35 million. Israel remains the only OECD country where the birth rate exceeds the critical replacement level (2.1 children per woman).