A new Israel Democracy Institute survey points to a sharp turn in Israeli public opinion, only 28% of Israelis now believe President Donald Trump treats Israel’s security as a central consideration, down from 44% last month and the lowest result since IDI began tracking the question. Among Jewish Israelis, the number fell to just 26%; among Arab Israelis, 36%.

The poll does not show a collapse of the U.S.-Israel alliance. A majority of Israelis still view the current strain with Washington as a temporary crisis rather than a long-term rupture. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also tried to lower the temperature, telling CNN that he and Trump still see “eye to eye” on the major issues around Iran, even if there are occasional disagreements.

But the security message from the Israeli public is blunt. Only 38% of Israelis say Israel’s strategic position is better than it was before Operation Roaring Lion, while 36% say it is worse. The skepticism comes despite Israel’s blows against Iran and its proxies, and it reflects a public that appears less willing to assume Washington’s diplomatic timetable matches Israel’s threat map.

That mood is clearest on Lebanon. A massive 72% of Israelis say Israel should maintain a permanent security zone in southern Lebanon, even if it creates friction with the United States. Among Jewish Israelis, support rises to 80%. After October 7 and years of Hezbollah entrenchment on the northern border, Israelis are not buying the idea that international pressure or Lebanese promises can replace the IDF’s ability to stop Iran-backed terrorists before they reach Israeli communities.

The survey also captured rising domestic pressure. Nearly half of respondents said police are too lenient toward Haredi rioters protesting the draft, while the Haredi public overwhelmingly sees enforcement as too harsh. A slim majority said it is inappropriate to advance major system-changing legislation so close to elections, and 53% support a new vote for state comptroller after the voter-confidentiality controversy.