Mass Israeli Exodus In 2024: Population Growth Hits Record Low

Over 82,000 Israelis left the country in 2024, marking a significant population shift amidst the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, official statistics reveal.

According to the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics, 82,700 citizens emigrated in 2024, with only 23,800 returning. Although the bureau did not cite specific reasons, earlier media reports linked the departures to escalating rocket attacks from Lebanon, Gaza, and Yemen.

As of 2024, Israel’s total population stands at approximately 10.027 million, comprising 7.7 million Jews, 2.1 million Arabs, and 216,000 foreign residents. The country’s population growth rate dropped to 1.1% in 2024, a sharp decline from 1.6% in 2023.

The Israeli military’s ongoing operations in Gaza have claimed over 45,500 lives, predominantly women and children, following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. This has continued despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding a cease-fire.

In a significant legal development, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, charging them with war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Furthermore, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the enclave.