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The Great Departure: Why Israelis Are Choosing To Be Exiles Over ‘Super-Sparta’ – OpEd

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yesterday

For nearly eight decades, the State of Israel defined its success by Aliyah—the immigration of Jews to the land. However, as 2025 draws to a close, the nation faces a stark reversal of this historic ethos.

A “silent exodus” has morphed into a tangible demographic crisis, with over 82,000 citizens departing in 2024 alone, and similar numbers recorded throughout 2025. Recent polls by the Israel Democracy Institute reveal a startling figure: 27% of all Israelis—and significantly higher percentages among young secular professionals—are actively considering emigration.

While security concerns following October 7, 2023, are the obvious catalyst, they are not the sole driver. A deeper analysis reveals that this mass departure is a vote of no confidence in the state’s leadership. Specifically, the policies and political survivalism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have created a fracture in the Israeli “social contract” that many citizens now feel is irreparable.

One of the most defining moments of 2025 was Prime Minister Netanyahu’s declaration that Israel must become a “Super-Sparta”—a nation permanently mobilized, economically self-reliant, and prepared to stand alone against global pressure. While intended to project strength, this vision has had a chilling effect on the country’s liberal, secular majority.

Most Israelis in the........

© Eurasia Review