Israel Surpasses 10 Million Milestone in 2026 Amid Shifting Demographics

Israel's population has officially exceeded 10 million residents at the start of 2026, reaching 10.178 million people. The population grew by just 1.1% in 2025, matching the previous year's rate but reflecting a slowdown attributed to increased emigration. While natural increase added 132,000 residents through births outpacing deaths, international migration resulted in a net loss of approximately 20,000 people. The demographic composition shows 76.3% Jewish and other populations, 21.1% Arab, and 2.6% foreign nationals.

Key Points: Israel's Population Tops 10 Million in 2026

  • Population hits 10.178 million
  • Growth rate steady at 1.1%
  • Negative migration balance of 20,000
  • Births outpace deaths by 132,000
1 min read

Israel starts 2026 with more than 10 million people

Israel's population reaches 10.178 million in 2026, with growth slowing to 1.1% due to emigration and shifting birth rates.

"The decrease in the growth rate is mainly due to the high number of Israelis emigrating from Israel in 2024. - Central Bureau of Statistics"

Tel Aviv, January 1

Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics reported that, as of the start of 2026, Israel's population is estimated at 10.178 million residents.

Of these 7.771 million are Jews and others (76.3 per cent of the total population), 2.147 million are Arabs (21.1 per cent) and 0.26 million are foreign nationals (2.6 per cent).

During 2025, Israel's population grew by 1.1 per cent. The population growth rate was the same as in 2024 (the growth rate at the end of 2024 was 1.1 per cent). The decrease in the growth rate is mainly due to the high number of Israelis emigrating from Israel in 2024, said the CBS.

During the year, approximately 182,000 babies were born (approximately 76 per cent to Jewish and "other" mothers, and approximately 24 per cent to Arab mothers).

The international migration balance in 2025 was negative and stood at approximately 20,000.

At the end of 2025, the Israeli population grew by approximately 112,000 people, a growth rate of 1.1 per cent. The population grew by approximately 132,000 residents from natural increase (births minus deaths) and decreased by approximately 20,000 residents from international migration.

During 2025, approximately 50,000 Israelis died, approximately 2,000 fewer than the number of deaths in 2024 (approximately 52,000). However, there was a small change in the death rate in 2025 compared to 2024 - 5.3 per 1,000 residents in 2024 compared to 5.2 per 1,000 residents in 2025.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
A population of over 10 million is significant for a relatively small country. The growth rate of 1.1% is quite healthy compared to many developed nations. The key will be managing resources and ensuring harmony among all communities.
A
Aman W
The data shows a complex picture. While births are keeping the population growing, people leaving is a silent alarm. As an Indian, I understand the importance of a young population, but also the challenges it brings. Wishing them well.
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Sarah B
Respectfully, the article focuses on numbers but the human story behind the emigration is what matters. Why are 20,000 more people leaving than arriving? That's the real question policymakers should address. Stability and quality of life are universal needs.
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Vikram M
The death rate going down slightly is a positive sign, indicating better healthcare perhaps. Every nation's strength is its people. Hope the coming years see more positive migration and continued peace for all residents.

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