Never returned: Netanyahu’s policies trigger mass emigration

According to a report by the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, citing data from the Israeli parliament, approximately one million Israeli citizens are currently living outside the occupied territories — a figure that has sparked serious concern at both political and social levels in Israel.

The official statistics show that since 2020, more than half of the Israelis who emigrated have yet to return. This trend has prompted the Knesset’s Immigration Absorption Committee to hold a special session to examine the causes and implications of the ongoing decline.

Post-Gaza war migration surge

Israeli reports indicate that migration from the occupied territories has surged following the recent war in Gaza — especially among the educated and skilled population. This wave of reverse migration and elite flight is now seen as a major threat.

Gilad Kariv, a Knesset member, warned about the consequences of this trend and called for a comprehensive government plan to address reverse migration and preserve Israel’s human capital.

Officials have cautioned that if this trajectory continues, the Jewish demographic majority could be at risk, and Israel’s global economic position could be weakened.

The Knesset report identifies two primary drivers behind the surge in Israeli emigration, both linked directly to Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet:

1 - Judicial overhaul (Described as a “Judicial Coup”)

Netanyahu’s government has pushed a controversial plan to restructure the judicial system under the guise of reforms. Critics argue that these reforms are not aimed at addressing external threats but are instead intended to undermine judicial independence and consolidate power within the executive branch. The move is widely seen as a threat to democratic institutions.

2 - Ongoing regional wars

The continuation of regional conflicts — particularly the war in Gaza — has created a climate of insecurity and instability, pushing more Israelis to leave.

Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics previously reported that during the Gaza war in 2024, reverse migration exceeded immigration. Over 82,000 people left Israel that year, while only about 24,000 returned. Additionally, new immigration to Israel dropped to 32,000, a decline of 15,000 compared to the previous year.

The ongoing Gaza war and its resulting economic crisis — especially impacting settlers near border areas — are cited as key factors behind this growing exodus.