Israel is preparing for national elections scheduled for October 27, amid a notable surge in far-right political influence that is reshaping the country’s political landscape. Polls indicate that the Jewish Strength party, led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, is poised to gain significant ground, possibly surpassing the Democrats party, the successor to the once-dominant Labor party. One recent poll forecast nine seats for Jewish Strength compared to eight for the Democrats in the 120-seat Knesset.
Ben-Gvir, a controversial figure known for his extremist views, has openly expressed support for policies that critics describe as ethnonationalist, including remarks promoting ethnic cleansing and harsh treatment of Palestinian prisoners. He once displayed bumper stickers stating “Rabbi Kahane was right,” echoing the legacy of Meir Kahane, an extremist activist whose political platform included mass expulsions of Palestinians and apartheid-like measures. Despite this, his party’s appeal is growing, particularly among younger Jewish Israelis.
The demographic shift is significant, with over 500,000 Israelis reaching voting age since the last election in 2022. Surveys show that approximately 75% of first-time Jewish voters identify as right or centre-right, a departure from global trends where younger generations tend to lean more left-leaning. This generation grew up after the collapse of the Oslo peace process and witnessed the Hamas attacks in October 2023, which resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 people and a prolonged hostage crisis that appears to have hardened attitudes around security and conflict.
Political analysts note that the increasingly rightward tilt is shaped by prolonged exposure to nationalist and populist rhetoric, with diminished emphasis on democratic values, human rights, or peace negotiations. Mainstream parties on the right, including those led by former military officials Gadi Eisenkot and Naftali Bennett, endorse policies such as settlement expansion and territorial annexation, while none of the major Jewish-led parties currently support a viable Palestinian state. The Democrats remain the sole party opposing settlement growth, though their platform rejects a traditional two-state solution and is considered centrist by international standards.
Opposition parties, including those representing Palestinian citizens of Israel—commonly referred to as Arab parties—offer a potential alternative coalition, but most Jewish parties have ruled out alliances that include them due to political and ideological divisions. The current incumbent, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, leads a right-wing coalition that polls suggest may not secure a parliamentary majority, potentially opening the way for a new government formation involving diverse actors.
The rise of the far right has been accompanied by increased political tensions and instances of violence. Democrats party members have faced verbal and physical assaults at campaign events, highlighting a charged atmosphere on the campaign trail. In response, the party has trained volunteers in non-violent direct action techniques to handle confrontations while maintaining safety.
Critics of the growing influence of far-right and religious fundamentalist parties warn of the possible erosion of democratic norms and the entrenchment of policies considered oppressive toward Palestinians in the occupied territories. Prominent Israeli figures from academia and civil society have issued urgent calls for voter participation, framing the election as a pivotal moment for the country's future stability and democratic character.
As campaigning intensifies, the parties focus on issues ranging from security and corruption to social services and military conscription. However, debate over Israel’s longstanding conflict with the Palestinians remains a central, divisive factor shaping voter alignment. The outcome of this election is likely to have profound implications for Israel’s domestic politics and its role in the broader Middle East.