The National Security Index is an in-depth public opinion study conducted annually by the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS). Since 1984, INSS has tracked trends in Israeli public opinion on topics associated with Israel’s national security, including perceptions of the threats and challenges facing Israel; the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; the Iranian threat; Israel’s northern arena; attitudes toward the IDF; fundamental national values; the preparedness of the civilian front; Israel-US relations; the contribution of American Jewry to national security; the role of the media from the perspective of security; and Jewish-Arab relations in Israel. Examining issues and processes in depth and over time on the basis of a broad and updating knowledge base, the National Security Index constitutes a singular resource on trends in Israeli public opinion. It describes the attitudes, perceptions, and opinions of the Israeli public on selected issues and analyzes their significance for national security, thereby attempting to assist decision makers and inform the public and media debate.
This year’s study is based on a representative sampling of adult Israelis of some 800 respondents – men and women, Jews and Arabs. The interviews were conducted face to face in the respondents’ homes; responsiveness in such a setting is high. The survey was conducted in November-December 2017. What follows are some of the most salient findings based on the answers among respondents in the Jewish public.