Party identification as a mediating variable in the perception of governmental legitimacy in Israel during the coronavirus epidemic

Objective: The policy implemented in Israel with the purpose of eradicating the COVID-19 pandemic restricted Israeli citizens’ individual freedom. During this period, Israel was suffering from government instability that led to recurring election campaigns within a short period. In addition, the prime minister was under legal investigation for suspicions of government corruption. This study examines the legitimization of government by the Israeli public during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The research findings are based on a representative attitude survey conducted by a survey company among Israeli citizens (men and women older than 18), including 604 respondents from the Jewish population and others and another 135 respondents from the Arab sector, that is, a total of 739 respondents, where the sampling error was 4.4 percent. Results: The findings indicate that right-wing voters tended to support governmental legitimization at a higher rate compared to voters from opposing blocs. Correspondingly, they tended to oppose claims attacking governmental legitimization at a lower rate in comparison to coalition party voters. Conclusion: The conclusion indicates that the party identification of the respondents is a mediating variable in their perception of governmental legitimacy vis-à-vis each of the three variables examined, thereby strengthening the perceptual screening.