First-time voters are eager to cast their ballots, which could determine up to 12 Knesset seats

An estimated 640,000 Israelis aged 18-22 are eligible to vote for the first time in Tuesday's election, potentially determining up to 12 Knesset seats. The article profiles young voters with diverse political views, from opposition supporters to Religious Zionist backers, and cites IDI research showing high turnout intentions.

On October 27, 2026, an estimated 640,000 Israelis aged 18 to 22 are eligible to vote for the first time in the country's election, according to the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI). Comprising nearly 10% of the electorate, their votes could determine as many as 12 seats in the 120-member Knesset. The article profiles several young voters with diverse political views. Yael Chernyvsky, 18, from Ramat Hasharon, plans to vote for the opposition change bloc seeking to oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, citing corruption and the ongoing war. Omer Gross from Jerusalem supports the Religious Zionist party led by Bezalel Smotrich, while Tomer Shiloh from Herzliya backs the change bloc. Khalel Alaa Sabeh, 18, from Shef-Amra, plans to vote for an Arab party focused on resource gaps and crime in the Arab sector. IDI research shows 80% to 95% of young Jewish and Arab voters intend to vote, with national security and cost of living as top priorities. A Channel 12 poll found 74% of young people identify as right-wing or center-right, though mock elections showed majority support for opposition parties.