Many young Israeli voters are shifting toward far-right politicians. They prioritize national security and use social media to form their political views.
Itamar Ben-Gvir is an Israeli minister with strong support among young voters. He represents the far-right in the country's government. Many Gen Z voters see him as a symbol of strength and security.
Next week, Israel holds a general election. Over half a million young people will vote for the first time. Polls suggest these voters could decide the final result.
Many young voters lean toward far-right parties. Some surveys show 16% plan to support Ben-Gvir’s group or his allies. Most young voters describe themselves as right-wing.
Supporters claim Ben-Gvir makes them feel safe. They believe he protects the nation's identity. Some say the October 7 attacks changed their views on peace forever.
However, Ben-Gvir remains a controversial figure. He calls for annexing parts of the West Bank and Gaza. Many liberal Israelis condemn his extreme rhetoric.
Meanwhile, some analysts say this trend started years ago. Young Israelis have grown up during times of war. They often lack experience with peace efforts.
Also, these voters use social media as their primary news source. Ben-Gvir mastered platforms like TikTok long before his rivals. He reached young people through viral content.
Still, other parties are now trying to catch up. They use social media to reach younger voters directly. They hope to win over those who feel skeptical of current leaders.
Finally, young voters remain deeply split. Some protest against far-right policies in major cities. Others believe strict, nationalist leadership is the only way forward.
The upcoming election highlights a divided generation. Young Israelis are highly motivated to participate this year. Their choices will shape the nation's future security policy.