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Edited by: Fern Sidman
Israel’s population has officially reached a milestone, surpassing 10 million people before the close of 2024, according to a detailed report released by the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). According to a recently published report on the Vois Es Nais web site, this growth marks a significant demographic milestone for the nation, reflecting both natural population increase and shifting migration patterns.
Of Israel’s 10 million citizens, approximately 76.9% (7.707 million people) identify as Jewish. This figure includes about 300,000 individuals classified under the Law of Return who are registered as having no religious classification with Israel’s Ministry of the Interior. Meanwhile, 21.0% (2.104 million people) of the population identify as Arab, and 2% (210,000 people) fall into the category of “other.”
As the VIN News report explained, the “other” category encompasses non-Arab Christians and individuals who are not classified under any religious group in the state’s population registry. This diversity reflects Israel’s multifaceted society, shaped by historical migrations, religious identity, and modern socio-political dynamics.
The overall population in Israel grew by 1.1% in 2024, adding 129,600 people to its citizenry. According to the information provided in the VIN News report, this growth represents a modest decline compared to 2023, when the population grew by 1.6%.
The report attributes the decline primarily to negative emigration patterns. In 2024, a record 82,700 Israelis emigrated abroad, a significant increase from 55,400 in 2023. This figure far surpasses the annual average of 37,100 emigrants per year recorded in the decade leading up to the Israel-Hamas war.
Emigration in 2024 reveals notable trends. In the first seven months of the year alone, 40,600 Israelis left the country, which translates to about 2,200 more emigrants per month compared to 2023, as reported by VIN News.
Additionally, analysis of emigration patterns indicates that approximately 39% of emigrants in 2023 came from Israel’s wealthier districts, 28% from the North, and 15% from the South. These figures suggest economic and regional disparities may play a role in migration decisions.
While emigration numbers surged, Israel also welcomed 32,890 new immigrants in 2024, according to the information in the VIN News report. This influx brought Israel’s net migration—the difference between the number of people entering and leaving the country—to 18,200 people.
Although immigration provides a counterbalance to rising emigration figures, the overall net migration reflects ongoing demographic and geopolitical challenges impacting Israel’s population dynamics.
Israel recorded 181,000 births in 2024, with 76% born to Jewish mothers and 24% born to Arab mothers. These birth rates continue to drive much of Israel’s natural population growth, with a notable emphasis on younger generations contributing to the country’s demographic profile.
On the other hand, 51,400 deaths were recorded in 2024, nearly 1,800 more than in 2023. As the VIN News explained, these figures include approximately 1,870 deaths directly related to Israel’s military operations in Gaza and Lebanon and the tragic events of the October 7th massacre.
Israel’s population milestone of 10 million is not merely a numerical achievement but a reflection of deeper societal trends shaped by geopolitics, migration patterns, and demographic shifts. The record levels of emigration present both economic and cultural challenges, as skilled workers and professionals increasingly seek opportunities abroad.
Meanwhile, immigration remains a cornerstone of Israel’s growth strategy, helping offset some of the losses from emigration while contributing to the nation’s diverse social fabric.
As Israel looks toward the future, managing population growth, supporting returning citizens, and creating an environment that encourages young families and professionals to stay will remain key policy priorities. VIN News emphasized that understanding and addressing the root causes of negative migration trends will be essential to ensuring the nation’s continued stability and prosperity.
