As young Israelis prepare to cast their votes in the parliamentary elections scheduled for Tuesday, a notable trend has emerged: this generation is increasingly aligning with right-wing candidates. This shift follows the traumatic events of the October 2023 attacks and three years of ongoing conflict.
Approximately 600,000 young Israelis are eligible to vote for the first time in this election. A recent September poll revealed that 74% of Jewish first-time voters aged 18-22 identified as right-wing or center-right, compared to 67% of the broader Jewish adult demographic.
In Rehovot, a city near Tel Aviv that reflects national voting patterns, young voters expressed their preferences. Eighteen-year-old Shahar indicated that she is considering either Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, often referred to as Bibi, or Itamar Ben-Gvir, the leader of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party. “The most logical choice for me would be either Bibi or Ben-Gvir. Right now, I’m leaning towards Ben-Gvir,” she shared.
Similarly, fellow 18-year-old Noa affirmed her inclination towards right-wing candidates, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a Jewish state. Rei, a 21-year-old currently serving in the military, also expressed a desire to support the right-wing bloc, citing security measures that resonate with him, including a law increasing the death penalty for terrorists.
Despite the strong leaning towards right-wing politics, not all young voters are aligned with this trend. Amit, 26, a veterinary student, plans to vote for Gadi Eisenkot, a central-right candidate who opposes the current government. He expressed concern that a continued Netanyahu administration could lead to serious issues, particularly regarding capital punishment, which he views as racist.
Naftali Bennett, a former prime minister and a liberal right-wing candidate, also garners significant support among the youth, alongside opposition leader Yair Lapid. As voices for change emerge, some voters express frustration over Netanyahu’s long tenure, with calls for new leadership growing prevalent.
Younger voters are also represented by those who seek to strengthen left-leaning parties. Sharon, a student and army reservist, plans to vote for the Democrats as an effort to promote alternatives to Netanyahu’s rule.
Amidst these conversations, the importance of voting is emphasized by all, including Yasmine, a 22-year-old Palestinian citizen of Israel, who hopes to see an end to discriminatory politics by supporting the United Arab List.
As election day approaches, the decisions made by these young voters will contribute to shaping Israel’s political landscape in the coming years.
