Israel's general elections are approaching, and more than half a million young first-time voters are expected to cast their ballots. These new voters could significantly impact the outcome of the election, which many Israelis see as crucial for the country's future security and identity.
What happened
Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has gained significant support among young Israelis, with over 16% of first-time voters planning to support far-right parties, according to a recent poll. Ben-Gvir's message of strength and security resonates with many young people, including 20-year-old Mordechai, who believes Ben-Gvir will provide safety and support for the army.
Another young supporter, 18-year-old Nadav, thinks Ben-Gvir is trying to show that Israel is a strong country. The 7 October 2023 attacks on Israel, which triggered the Gaza war, have also influenced some young voters, such as 23-year-old Meir Schreiber, who believes that Ben-Gvir is the right choice for Israel's security.
However, Ben-Gvir's divisive political positions, including annexation of the occupied West Bank and Jewish settlement of Gaza, have been widely condemned by liberal Israelis. Despite this, he remains a popular figure among young voters, with many seeing him as a strong leader who will protect Israel's interests.
Opposition parties are also engaging with young voters, using social media to reach them. Centre-right opposition party Beyachad's candidate, Yonatan Shalev, has pushed his party to use social media to connect with young people, recognizing that they are more likely to get their information from platforms like TikTok and Instagram rather than traditional news sources.
