99,000 Israelis left the country between 2023 and 2024
A Tel Aviv University study links the record departure rate to war and political instability ahead of next week's election.
By Sarah Montgomery ·
Israel has experienced its highest level of emigration in recorded history over the past three years. A study released in February by researchers at Tel Aviv University indicates that 99,000 citizens permanently left the country between January 2023 and December 2024.
The study, led by Itai Ater, a professor at the Coller School of Management, analyzed data from the Central Bureau of Statistics. The researchers defined emigrants as individuals who remained outside the country for at least three consecutive months and spent more than 270 days abroad during their first year away. Approximately 50,000 people departed in 2023, while 49,000 left in 2024. Ater noted that preliminary data suggests this pattern continued into 2025.
The departures coincide with a period of intense conflict and political tension. In October 2023, a Hamas attack on southern Israel killed roughly 1,200 people and resulted in the capture of 250 hostages. Israel responded with a major military campaign in the Gaza Strip. Although a ceasefire took effect in October 2025, Israel maintains control over approximately 60 percent of the enclave and continues regular military operations there.
The upcoming national election next week adds to the uncertainty surrounding the country's future. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking to retain power, but polls indicate his far-right bloc may not secure the 61 Knesset seats required to form a government. A rival bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot is positioned to win the most seats, though it is also expected to lack a majority. Coalition negotiations often begin after the vote, a process in which Netanyahu is experienced.
Researchers warn that the emigration trend is affecting the country's skilled workforce. The study reports a sharp increase in the departure of professionals, including 2,360 engineers and 509 doctors. Ater stated that Israel's economy relies heavily on this human capital across tech, academia, and health care. He warned that without political change, emigration numbers could rise dramatically.
Corporate leaders are also adjusting to the shifting environment. Liam Schwartz, who heads the corporate immigration department at the Tel Aviv law firm Goldfarb, Gross, Seligman, said some companies are moving parts of their workforce to North America or Europe. He attributed this shift to discontent following judicial reform proposals in January 2023 that aimed to reduce the powers of the Supreme Court. Schwartz described the October vote as a potential turning point for whether emigration continues to accelerate.
