(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - People in Israel appear disappointed with the current state of affairs in their country, according to a poll by the Dahaf Institute published in Yediot Ahronot. At least 61 per cent of respondents express negative views about national unity, personal security and the peace process.

An additional 60 per cent of respondents say Israel’s general situation is bad. Conversely, 52 per cent of respondents think the economy is doing well.

When asked which of Israel’s current problems is most worrying, 26 per cent of respondents cite the Iranian threat. Traffic accidents and the educational situation are next on the list with 23 per cent each, followed by the firing of Qassam rockets from the Palestinian Territories with 12 per cent, the economy with eight per cent, and Syria with five per cent.

In March 2006, Israeli voters renewed the Knesset. Kadima, founded by former prime minister Ariel Sharon and led by Ehud Olmert, secured 29 seats. Labour, the Retired People’s Party (Gil) and the International Organization of Torah-observant Sephardic Jews (Shas) joined Kadima in a coalition. In October, the Israeli cabinet approved the addition of Israel Our Home to the government. Olmert’s coalition now has the support of 78 of the Knesset’s 120 members.

Official figures have shown that Israel’s Gross Domestic product (GDP) grew at a 6.6 per cent annual pace in the first half of this year—the highest growth since the end of an economic recession in 2003. Israel’s unemployment rate dropped to 7.6 per cent last month—the lowest level in a decade.

On Sept. 5, Middle East peace envoy and former British prime minister Tony Blair met with Olmert and told him he is outlining "practical steps" to put the peace process with the Palestinians back on track. Blair now represents The Quartet—which includes the United States, the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU) and Russia—in the Middle East. In a statement, Olmert’s office called the meeting "positive and constructive," covering "practical" concerns including "administrative, economic and public service" issues between Israel and the Palestinians.

Polling Data

How do you summarize the situation of the State of Israel in the following categories?

What problem of Israel most concerns you?

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