Israel has achieved the fourth highest life expectancy among developed countries, according to a recent international report, despite ongoing conflict and relatively low public investment in its health system. The average life expectancy in Israel reached 83.8 years, trailing only Switzerland, Japan, and Spain. This figure includes casualties from recent conflicts and reflects a notable increase in life expectancy between 2022 and 2023, with both men and women experiencing gains of nearly a full year.
Key factors contributing to Israel's strong performance include low infant mortality, declining heart disease mortality, and effective treatment of cancer and strokes. The country also ranks second in the lowest mortality rate from preventable health causes, highlighting the success of public health initiatives and primary prevention efforts.
Despite these achievements, challenges remain, particularly in reducing smoking rates, which continue to cause thousands of deaths annually. Health officials emphasize the efficiency of the system but acknowledge the need for ongoing improvements to address persistent health risks and adapt to future challenges.