Recent surveys have revealed surprising shifts in the political preferences and values of young Israeli voters, indicating a strong right-wing alignment.
According to a recent Maariv poll published this past week conducted by Lazar Research, led by Dr. Menahem Lazar in collaboration with Panel4All, a majority of first-time voters in Israel’s upcoming Knesset elections-young people between the ages of 18 and 22-identify as right-wing.
The survey finds that 56% of this age group considers itself right-wing, compared with 44% of Israelis aged 23 and older.
Among younger Israelis, 22% describe themselves as center-right, 14% as centrist (compared with 27% of older Israelis), and 8% identify as center-left or left-wing.
The poll also found that the preferred prime ministerial candidate among young voters is Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, garnering 35% support, followed by former prime minister Naftali Bennett at 19%. Other candidates received considerably lower levels of support.
Post-October 7 identity
The survey also revealed that the events surrounding October 7, 2023, and their aftermath have had a profound impact on young people's relationship with their faith and Jewish traditions.
More than half (57%) of respondents indicated that their sense or practice of religious faith has grown stronger since October 7, while 54% reported a heightened connection to Jewish tradition.
This surge in religious identification comes amid an overwhelming sense of pride in their Israeli identity. 68% of respondents expressed pride in being Israeli, with 46% calling Israel a "very good" place to live, and 36% labeling it a "good" place to live, culminating in a 79% overall satisfaction rate with life in Israel.
Breaking these sentiments down further, young Israelis aged 18-20 are the most proud to be Israeli, with 75% expressing strong national pride. Religious individuals also showed a higher level of national pride, with 85% affirming they were very proud to be Israeli.
Reserves Service
The survey also sheds light on Israel’s high military readiness, with 18% of young people having served in the reserves since October 7, 2023. Half of these reservists reported serving for several hundred days.
In response to potential future reserve duty, a significant majority, 64%, stated they would report without hesitation. Another 33% said they would do so out of necessity, while only 3% expressed uncertainty or a refusal to serve again.
The survey, conducted between March 30 and 31, 2026, included a representative sample of 400 Israelis aged 18 to 22, covering both Jewish and Arab populations, with a maximum margin of error of 5%. Responses from older age groups were gathered in a separate survey conducted earlier.