‘Generation Right’: Israeli youth show strong support for the right

What the report says

Israel’s first election in four years is being shaped by a large influx of young voters, with the Israeli Central Elections Committee saying more than half a million people were added to the roll since 2022. Al Jazeera reported that most of these new voters are between 18 and 22, and that polls suggest about 80% intend to vote in the Oct. 27 legislative election. The outlet said many young Jewish Israelis believe voting can still affect the country’s direction, even if their public political activity is limited.

According to polls cited by Al Jazeera, around three-quarters of Jewish first-time voters identify as right or centre-right, a stronger rightward tilt than in the wider Israeli population. The report linked this trend to the political climate after the Oct. 7, 2023 attack and to the mainstreaming of hardline positions during Benjamin Netanyahu’s tenure, including the rise of ministers such as Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. It also noted that some young voters are drawn to parties advocating tougher policies toward Palestinians and support for settlements.

Al Jazeera said social media and messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram are major sources of political content for this age group. The piece also described youth-focused outreach by activists and politicians, including Ben-Gvir’s highly visible online style, which appears to resonate with some younger supporters. The report said the trend matters because this election could influence Netanyahu’s political future and the direction of Israel’s right-wing bloc.