Israeli Far-Right Gains Traction Among Young, First-Time Voters

As Israel approaches a pivotal election, a significant portion of first-time voters are showing a strong inclination towards far-right parties, with figures like National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir drawing considerable support.

More than half a million individuals eligible to vote for the first time are expected to cast ballots, potentially influencing the election's outcome. Polls suggest that over 16% of these new voters are considering supporting far-right factions, including Ben-Gvir's Jewish Power party and the Religious Zionism party led by Bezalel Smotrich. Surveys also indicate that nearly three-quarters of these young voters identify as right or center-right.

Ben-Gvir, once considered too extreme for the Israeli army, has transitioned from a political outcast to a prominent government minister. He actively campaigns among young supporters, urging them to vote and expressing optimism about his party's prospects. "We see the support, we see the love [and] we want to win!" he stated during a campaign event in the mixed city of Ramle.

Young voters interviewed expressed a sense of security and a desire for strong leadership. "Itamar Ben Gvir gives me a sense of security," said Mordechai, 20, highlighting that while there are occasional missteps, Ben-Gvir's core message is largely positive. Nadav, 18, believes Ben-Gvir represents Israel's strength and a willingness to assert its ideology.

The Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023, have also influenced the perspectives of young Israelis, convincing some, like 23-year-old Meir Schreiber, that peace initiatives may not be viable. "Young people understand that peace isn't something we can do," he stated, referencing the impact of the attacks on their worldview.

Ben-Gvir's platform, which includes controversial stances such as the annexation of the West Bank and the settlement of Gaza, is divisive. His rhetoric has drawn criticism and, in some cases, sanctions from Western countries. During his campaign stops, reactions from shopkeepers have varied, with some offering support and others expressing disapproval of his divisive message.

Political analysts suggest that the rightward shift among young Israelis is a long-term trend, not solely a reaction to recent events. "For about the last 20 years, we've seen young Israeli Jews are more right wing than average," noted political analyst Dahlia Scheindlin. She attributes this to their upbringing without personal experience of peace processes and their exposure to increasingly extreme political discourse, which has normalized discussions about annexation and settlement expansion.

Concerns about the government's response to the October 7 attacks have also fueled dissatisfaction and a desire for change among some young voters. "Maybe if the government had been different on 7 October, things would have been better," suggested Yahlee, 21, who was performing national military service during the attacks.

Opposition parties are attempting to counter the far-right's appeal by engaging younger voters through social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Candidates such as Yonatan Shalev from the center-right Beyachad party are using these platforms to connect with a demographic that often bypasses traditional news sources. "Younger people don't watch the news in Israel, [they] don't read the newspapers. The younger generation is getting all its details from TikTok and Instagram," Shalev explained.

Despite the trend towards the right, divisions persist among young voters regarding who best represents Israel's security and identity. While some are drawn to the far-right's assertive stance, others remain wary of the potential threats to democracy, mirroring the broader divisions within the country.