INSS: Israelis as concerned about violence between social groups as Iran acquiring nuclear weapons

Israelis view internal social cohesion and the prospect of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons as the most significant threats facing the nation, according to a new report by the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS). The findings are based on surveys conducted in February and July, which indicate that 39% of the public considers both violent conflict between social groups and Iran's nuclear ambitions as the country's foremost dangers.

While these concerns remain high, there was a slight decrease in the percentage of respondents ranking these issues as the top threats compared to February. The report also noted a decline in public worry about large-scale missile attacks and the potential undermining of the state's democratic character. Conversely, concerns about a prolonged war on Israel's fronts and international isolation have increased.

Experts surveyed for the report expressed even greater concern about the undermining of democracy (67%), violent conflict between societal groups (58%), and international isolation and sanctions (44%). These figures highlight a more pronounced anxiety among specialists regarding internal and external pressures on Israel's stability.

The INSS report also indicated that climate change and damage to infrastructure were considered low-priority threats by both the public and experts. Only a small percentage of respondents included these issues among their top three concerns, suggesting a focus on immediate security and social stability.