Israel’s Ben-Gvir poised for election gains as young voters turn to far right

More than half a million first-time voters are expected to vote in Israel’s general election, and polls suggest they could help decide a close contest. A survey cited by the BBC found that over 16% of first-time voters planned to support far-right parties, including Itamar Ben-Gvir’s Jewish Power and Bezalel Smotrich’s Religious Zionism. Young supporters described Ben-Gvir as a source of security, while critics oppose his hard-line policies. The data point to growing right-wing appeal among some young voters.