Israel's far right find fertile ground among first-time voters
Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir is gaining significant popularity among first-time voters ahead of the upcoming general election. Young supporters cite a desire for increased national security as a primary reason for their alignment with his hardline policies.
Why it matters
The shift in youth political sentiment toward the far-right could be a decisive factor in the upcoming Israeli election and the country's future political trajectory.
Image caption, Far-right minister Ben Gvir (left) has significant support among Israeli youth
When Israel's far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, reached voting age, he was rejected from Israel's army for being too politically extreme.
His views have not changed much in the 30 years since then - but Israel has. Once shunned by the political establishment, he is now part of the government's inner sanctum of ministers.
On the campaign trail ahead of Israel's general elections next week, Ben Gvir is often surrounded by a jubilant pack of fresh-faced young fans, waving huge party flags over the heads of his numerous security guards.
At the covered market in Ramle - a mixed city of Jewish and Arab Israelis - he told us his message to young voters was to get out and vote.
"We see the support, we see the love [and] we want to win!" he said.
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