In response to the recent legislation, the aChord Center- Social Psychology for Social Change at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem conducted a comprehensive flash study to gauge public sentiment regarding the proposed reform. The study's insightful findings shed light on prevailing concerns and attitudes among the Israeli public, revealing significant implications for the ongoing protests.
Opposition to the Reform Remains Strong: The survey results indicate a substantial portion of the Israeli public is opposed to the reform and its implications. Approximately 50.7% of respondents expressed opposition to the reform, while only one-third (33.7%) showed support. Additionally, 15.6% of respondents remained undecided on the matter.
Continuation of Protest: Despite certain elements of the legislation passing the Knesset, the study underscores the division in public opinion concerning the protests. A notable 48.1% of respondents voiced their support for the protests against the reform, while 38.2% expressed opposition. A remaining 13.6% remained uncertain about their stance on the protests.
Expectations of Protest Intensification: According to the study, the Israeli public firmly believes that the protesters will persevere in their cause, leading to an escalation of the protest movement. An overwhelming 53.7% of respondents anticipate the protests to intensify further after the legislation's passage. In contrast, 20.8% believe the protests will remain at the same level, and 21.6% anticipate a potential weakening of the demonstrations.
Concerns about Government Response: The study's results highlight a broad perception among the Israeli public that the government is to blame for the deteriorating economic (72.9%), security (63.9%), and social situation (62.8%). Furthermore, 57.7% of respondents view the government as irresponsible and incapable of effectively governing the country, while 42.3% hold a different opinion.
Potential Impact on Functioning and Demands: In response to the judicial overhaul and the continuation of strikes, a significant 70.1% of respondents believe that Israel may encounter challenges in continuing to function normally, while 29.9% disagree. Meanwhile, 61.2% of participants assert that if strikes persist in the army, public sector, medicine, and academia, the government must respond to the protesters' demands, with 38.8% holding a contrary view.
Looking Forward: Overall, the study's findings underscore the resolute and persistent support for the ongoing protest among the Israeli public, even after the recent legislation. These results highlight the substantial challenges facing the government in addressing the concerns raised by the protestors and rebuilding public trust and support.
The aChord Center's flash survey serves as a crucial barometer of public opinion and provides valuable insights into the current socio-political climate in Israel. As the situation continues to evolve, it is evident that the Israeli public remains resolute in their demand for satisfactory responses to their concerns.
The survey was prepared by the aChord Center at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The survey was conducted via the internet and by telephone (to include groups that are under-represented on the internet) between July 24-25, 2023, with 1374 men and women were interviewed in Hebrew and Arabic, constituting a nationally representative sample of the adult population in Israel aged 18 and over, a weighted sample representative of Israeli society according to 2022 election data The maximum sampling error was 4.4% at a confidence level of 95%. Surveys were carried out by iPanel and Askaria. The full data file can be found at: https://bit.ly/judicial-reform-survey-16
The survey began a few hours after the results of the vote on the law on the ‘Reasonableness Clause’.