Itamar Ben-Gvir, the far-right Minister of National Security of Israel, was rejected by the Israeli army due to his extremist political views when he reached voting age. However, he is now part of the inner circle of government ministers, and his views, which have not changed much in the past 30 years, have brought about changes in society.
Youth Support for Extremist Ideas
During the election campaign leading up to the Israeli general elections, Ben-Gvir is seen with a lively and enthusiastic group of young supporters waving party flags. He tells young voters in the covered market of Ramla that they must go to the polls and expresses hope for their victory. In this election, over half a million first-time voters will participate, many of whom consider it crucial for the future of Israel's security and identity.
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The Role of the October 7 Attacks in Changing Trends
Polls indicate that there is a tight race in the elections, and first-time voters may play a key role in determining the outcome. According to one poll, over 16% of these young voters intend to support far-right parties. Mordechai, 20, a supporter of Ben-Gvir, says, "Itamar Ben-Gvir gives me a sense of security." Nadav, 18, also states that he provides security for young people and supports them.
The October 7, 2023 attacks led by Hamas against Israel have had a profound impact on the thoughts of young people. Mir Schreiber, 23, says that these attacks have convinced him that Ben-Gvir is the right choice. He adds that young people realize that peace is not something that can be easily achieved.
However, reactions to Ben-Gvir within the community are mixed. Some shopkeepers in the Ramla market express their opposition by throwing sweets at him and accuse him of inciting division. Dalia Shindelin, a political analyst, believes that the youth's shift towards the far right goes beyond recent attacks and stems from their experiences in ongoing wars and the lack of peace experience.
Ultimately, Ben-Gvir has managed to connect with young people more than other politicians through social media. This connection could be decisive for the upcoming elections, and it seems that Israeli youth are increasingly leaning towards far-right tendencies.
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