Young Israelis Vote Without Hope for Peace

Hundreds of thousands of young Israelis are voting for the first time in the upcoming election, with most expressing little hope for peace following the October 7, 2023 attack and its aftermath. This generation, shaped by war and political polarization, is more conservative and nationalist than the national average. Approximately 640,000 Israelis aged 18-22, nearly nine percent of eligible voters, are set to cast their first ballots on October 27. Surveys show nearly three-quarters of Jewish first-time voters identify as right-wing or center-right, with many citing the Gaza war and security concerns as defining experiences. Ultra-right politician Itamar Ben-Gvir has gained significant support among this demographic. Despite widespread political disillusionment, about 90 percent of first-time voters say they will vote, a mobilization driven by distrust in institutions. Young Palestinian Israelis, comprising about a fifth of the population, are also expected to turn out in higher numbers than in 2022, potentially influencing the election outcome.