Le Monde on Wednesday reported that "Israel" is witnessing an unprecedented wave of emigration, with many settlers leaving due to security concerns, economic struggles, and dissatisfaction with the occupation's policies. Thousands of Israelis, including entire families, have relocated abroad, citing the ongoing war on Gaza, rising religious influence, and fears over the occupation's political direction.

Among those preparing to leave is Roy, a 34-year-old musician with a promising career. Despite being born and raised in Israeli occupied Palestine, he no longer "sees a future there." Speaking anonymously, he revealed plans to move to Spain with his wife.

"We're not shouting it from the rooftops because we feel ashamed to leave while the war isn't completely over. It's a complicated moment… I love my country, but what lies ahead are dark years" he said while having a meal in Tel Aviv. 

A Growing Trend of Migration

For others, the decision has already been made. Mickey, 30, recently moved with his wife and two children to Paphos, Cyprus, where he started an e-commerce business. "It was not an easy choice," he admitted. "But between Israel's worsening economic conditions and the lack of security, we realized we had to go. Every time I went out with my children, I carried a weapon—like more and more civilians are doing now. I couldn't see myself continuing like that."

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While some departures began before October 7, Mickey noted that political instability and Netanyahu's judicial overhaul were already pushing people to leave. Experts warn that "Israel" may face a "brain drain" as those emigrating tend to have higher-than-average education levels. "The concern is that skilled workers are leaving, and Jewish immigration into Israel may not be enough to offset the loss," he explained.

Mass Exodus

This growing trend is evident on social media, where groups discuss relocating to countries like Portugal, Canada, or Thailand. Some Israelis exchange information about visas, remote work, and living conditions abroad, while others condemn the emigrants, calling them "traitors." "Five colleagues, two families, friends… I've never seen this many people leaving before," law professor Adam Shinar wrote in a post last July. "Only an ostrich wouldn't see the reality emerging, and it's going to get worse."

The situation has become even more pronounced with the escalation of hostilities in Gaza and Lebanon.

Ilan Revivo, a veteran of the moving industry, said he has never seen such a surge in emigration. His company, Universe Transit, initially specialized in helping Jews move to Israel, but now the flow is reversing. "Entire families are relocating to Portugal, Cyprus, or Greece, selling all their belongings before they leave," he observed. He recently facilitated the move of a 20-member extended family from Kiryat Motzkin to Cyprus—three generations leaving together.

Read more: One in five Israeli tech companies moved ops abroad due to war: Survey

It remains unclear whether the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, which took effect on January 19, will slow the trend. Netanyahu has warned that his regime retains the "right" to resume the war if necessary. However, many Israelis remain strongly opposed to his ruling coalition, which is dominated by the far right.

Summing up the sentiment, Roy remarked: "If nothing changes in the next elections, more people will leave."