Not the economy and not the war: what Israelis will consider at the polls

The Israel Democracy Institute published a poll showing that 68% of Israeli Jews consider the events of October 7, 2023, the main factor in voting in the Knesset elections on October 27. Ultra-Orthodox respondents were an exception — only 26% of Haredim cited this date as a key issue. The poll also revealed voter priorities: foreign policy and security (39%), the economy (38%), and the Haredi draft (27%).

The Israel Democracy Institute published a poll showing that the events of October 7, 2023, remain the dominant factor for Israeli Jewish voters in the upcoming Knesset elections on October 27. 68% of Jewish respondents named this date as the main factor in voting. The highest rate was among left-wing voters (76.5%), followed by centrists (74%) and right-wing voters (66%). Ultra-Orthodox respondents were an exception: only 26% of Haredim consider October 7 a key issue, while among secular Jews this figure is 81%, and among religious Zionists — 56%. Foreign policy and security remain a priority for 39% of Jewish voters, the economy and cost of living for 38%. The issue of drafting Haredim into the army concerns 27% of respondents. Among Arab respondents, the picture is different: only 32% named October 7 as an important factor, and the main issues were crime (56%) and the cost of living (46%). The poll also revealed concerns about election interference: 59% consider interference by Israeli political structures likely, and 51% by foreign forces. 56% of Israelis believe the losing side may refuse to recognize the results and resort to force. The poll was conducted from August 31 to September 3 among 605 people in Hebrew and 150 in Arabic, with a margin of error of ±3.57%.