People believe that democracy is in decline as trust in the government remains low, a poll has suggested

Most Israelis disapprove of the state of democracy in their country, a survey published this week has suggested. People say they cannot rely on the state as public trust in various government institutions remains low, according to a poll by the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI).

Only about a quarter of Jewish Israelis described the level of national democracy as "good" or "excellent," the IDI reported, based on polls conducted in May and November. The survey results reinforce the downward trend of recent years, the institute stated. Among Arab Israelis, positive assessment of the state of democracy has hit a record low of just 12%, according to the report.

Most government institutions are trusted by only 10% to 41% of respondents, the survey suggested. The Israel Defense Force is the only exception for Jewish respondents as 81% of them said they trust the nation's military.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government is trusted by a quarter of Israeli Jews and just over 17% of Israeli Arabs, according to the poll. Netanyahu also remains a controversial figure. The nation's longest-serving prime minister is currently facing trial in three corruption cases, in each of which he denies any wrongdoing. In October, he announced plans to seek another term.

Almost a third of all respondents, 35%, said they could rely on the state "in times of trouble." A majority, 67.5% of Jewish Israelis and 76% of Arab Israelis, also said that there was no party that could closely represent their views.

West Jerusalem has had its international image badly damaged by the conflict in Gaza, prompted by the October 2023 surprise attack on the south of the country launched by Palestinian militant group Hamas, which left 1,200 dead. Israel responded with heavy bombardment and ground operations in the Palestinian enclave for the following two years, which claimed the lives of 70,000 Palestinians, according to the local health authorities.

(RT.com)