Tel Aviv University: 99,000 Israelis Departed in Two Years

Central Bureau of Statistics data analyzed by researchers at Tel Aviv University indicates that 99,000 Israelis left the country between January 2023 and December 2024. This figure represents the highest recorded departure rate in the nation's history.

Itai Ater, a professor at the Coller School of Management, co-authored the study published in February. The researchers defined emigration as individuals who remained abroad for at least three consecutive months and spent more than 270 days outside Israel during their first year. Approximately 50,000 citizens departed in 2023, followed by 49,000 in 2024. Ater stated that preliminary data suggests this trend continued throughout 2025.

The study highlights a sharp increase in the exit of highly skilled professionals. Net departures included 2,360 engineers and 509 doctors in 2023 and 2024. Ater noted that this loss of human capital poses a strategic risk to sectors such as technology, academia, and healthcare.

The exodus coincides with ongoing conflict and political instability. The year 2023 began with the Hamas attack that killed roughly 1,200 people and resulted in the capture of 250 hostages. Although a ceasefire took effect in October 2025, Israel maintains control over approximately 60 percent of the Gaza Strip and continues regular military operations.

Domestic political uncertainty has also contributed to the departure trend. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose corruption trial began in 2020, faces a national election next week. Polls indicate his far-right bloc is unlikely to secure the 61 Knesset seats required for a majority. Gadi Eisenkot of the Yashar party is positioned to win the most seats but is also expected to fall short of a governing majority.

Liam Schwartz, head of corporate immigration at the law firm Goldfarb, Gross, Seligman, said some companies are shifting workforce operations to North America and Europe. He attributed this trend to shareholder concerns stemming from judicial reform proposals introduced in January 2023. Schwartz described the upcoming vote as a potential watershed for future emigration rates.

Avigail Ben-Porat, a 50-year-old resident of Kiryat Shmona near the Lebanese border, said she considers leaving but lacks the financial means. She reported hearing rocket fire regularly and noted that many friends have relocated to Portugal, Canada, Thailand, and India.