What we are missing in the discussion about youth and politics

Dr. Liran Harsgor argues that the public discourse on youth and politics misses the main point: the lack of concrete policy plans from the political parties. A survey she conducted shows that young people are not a homogeneous right-wing group, and that intergenerational differences are smaller than expected. She calls for examining the alternatives that the system offers, not just the opinions of the youth.

Dr. Liran Harsgor, a senior lecturer at the University of Haifa, argues in an opinion piece that the public discourse on youth and politics misses the main point. A survey she conducted, funded by the Israel Science Foundation (ISF) through iPanel, shows that young people are not a homogeneous right-wing group. Identification with the right-wing camp among 18-29 year olds stands at 61%, compared to 64% among 30-39 year olds – a small difference. Identification with the "Bibi camp" is almost identical across all age groups (about 26%). Harsgor argues that the constant preoccupation with what young people think diverts attention from an equally important question: what alternatives does the political system offer them? According to her, parties settle for general statements instead of presenting clear policy plans, and elections become a decision between personalities and camps rather than between different ways to shape Israel's future.