Israel’s upcoming general election will see over half a million citizens casting their first ballot. Recent surveys indicate that a sizable slice of this cohort is leaning toward the country’s far‑right parties, a trend that could prove decisive in a tightly contested race.
Polling figures reveal growing support for the far right
According to a poll commissioned by the newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, more than 16 % of first‑time voters plan to vote for either Itamar Ben‑Gvir’s Jewish Power or the Religious Zionism party led by Bezalel Smotrich. A separate survey by Israel’s leading Channel 12 network found that almost three‑quarters of young respondents describe themselves as “right or centre‑right.”
Motivations behind the shift
Interviewees in the market town of Ramle – a mixed Jewish‑Arab city – expressed a range of reasons for their support. An 18‑year‑old named Nadav said Ben‑Gvir “is trying to show that Israel is a strong country,” while a 20‑year‑old, Mordechai, added that the minister “gives me a sense of security.” Another young voter, Meir Schreiber, linked his preference to the October 7 Hamas attacks, arguing that “young people understand that peace isn’t something we can do” after witnessing the violence.
Social media as a decisive tool
Ben‑Gvir’s campaign has capitalised on platforms favoured by younger Israelis. According to 24‑year‑old opposition candidate Yonatan Shalev, the minister “understood the power of TikTok and Instagram faster than other politicians,” noting that Ben‑Gvir’s videos garnered the most views and likes among political figures. In response, rival parties have launched their own social‑media pushes, with former prime minister Naftali Bennett’s Instagram now featuring weight‑lifting videos set to rap music, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu releasing a militaristic clip accompanied by heavy beats.
Analyst perspective on a generational trend
Political analyst Dahlia Scheindlin observed that “young Israeli Jews are more right‑wing than average, and significantly more right‑wing on many measures than the 55 + group.” She attributes this to a upbringing “under a series of wars with no personal experience of efforts to achieve peace,” which has normalised discussion of annexation, settlement expansion, and, after October 7, the annexation of Gaza.
Division remains stark
Even as the younger electorate leans right, it remains split. At a student event in Tel Aviv, Ben‑Gvir was interrupted by protesters chanting “Fascism will not pass.” Meanwhile, a stallholder in Ramle warned that the minister “preys on young uneducated people,” underscoring the contentious nature of his appeal.
Potential electoral impact
Election analysts stress that the high turnout expected among first‑time voters – with “more than 80 % saying they are likely to vote” – could tip the balance in a race described as “tight” between Netanyahu’s coalition and the opposition bloc. While the far‑right parties may not win a majority, their growing share of the youth vote could influence coalition negotiations and policy directions.
In sum, the data and on‑the‑ground observations suggest that Israel’s Gen Z cohort is indeed moving toward the far‑right, driven by security concerns, a sense of national strength, and a digital‑first political culture.