Israeli Election Could Propel Far-Right Minister Ben-Gvir into Knesset Spotlight

The forthcoming Israeli parliamentary election may boost national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's Jewish Power party, which is attracting a growing number of young voters with its hard-line agenda.

4 outlets4 min read2h agoImportance 6/10

Research by Agam Labs at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem indicates that Jewish Power’s electorate is notably younger than the overall Israeli voting population, with many first-time voters drawn to the party’s uncompromising stance on Palestinian issues and national security. The party’s platform, highlighted by a March law making hanging the default sentence for Palestinians convicted of attacks and proposals to ease gun licensing, has resonated with individuals like 18-year-old Gavriel Marmon and 41-year-old Odelia Kedmi, who cite personal security concerns.

The upcoming October 27 election, the first national poll since the 2023 Hamas attacks, is expected to cut Netanyahu’s Likud seats by roughly a third, yet no coalition appears ready to command a majority, positioning Ben-Gvir’s projected eight-seat gain as a potential kingmaker. His past convictions for racist incitement, admiration of extremist figures, and recent sanctions by several Western nations underscore the controversy surrounding his rise. Despite criticism, his support base remains steady, contrasting with the waning popularity of other far-right figures such as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

Why it matters

Ben-Gvir’s surge could reshape Israel’s coalition dynamics and push hard-line policies into the government.

How the sides frame it

LOW AGREEMENT

Left-leaning coverage emphasizes a surge of young Israeli voters attracted to Ben-Gvir’s hard-line security platform, centrist coverage describes his controversial rise and rhetoric while noting youthful fan support, and right-leaning coverage focuses on his outspoken criticism of France and the Palestinian state issue.

LEFT

Frames the story as a youth-driven electoral boost for Ben-Gvir driven by his uncompromising security stance.

CENTER

Frames the story as Ben-Gvir’s transition from a fringe extremist to a mainstream minister gaining popularity among first-time voters, highlighting his controversial statements.

RIGHT

Frames the story around Ben-Gvir’s aggressive rebuttal to France’s internal unrest and recognition of a Palestinian state.

The left emphasises

young voters drawn to the party’s “uncompromising stance on Palestinian issues and national security”
platform includes “hanging the default sentence for Palestinians” and easing gun licensing

The right emphasises

Ben-Gvir “slams France over unrest, Palestinian state recognition” on X
tweets mock France’s situation and its recognition of a Palestinian state

How this story developed

Sep 1 EU debates ban on settlement products as Israeli forces raze West Bank homes
Oct 10 Israeli forces issued new evacuation orders for multiple Gaza neighborhoods.
Oct 10 The consulate was officially renamed the UK Mission, Jerusalem and its staff was reduced to seven.
Oct 10 Approximately 10,000 people gathered in Dublin for a pro-Palestine march, demanding Irish sanctions on Israel and criticizing government policies.
Oct 11 Naza, the second Gaza-focused film by directors Rachel Szor and Yuval Abraham, is being shown in 84 Dutch cinemas, including Pathé venues that rarely screen documentaries. Audience reactions are described as silent and intense, with many viewers left visibly shaken. The film has sparked protests by pro-Israeli groups in Amsterdam and Delft, while Israeli leaders have condemned it as betrayal. Distributors report no disruptions to screenings in the Netherlands or Belgium.
Oct 12 The Israeli military issued a statement rejecting the documentary’s depiction of targeting procedures.
Oct 12 A Gaza resident died of liver cancer after prolonged delays in medical evacuation.
Oct 16 A settler was observed firing a gun during the latest assault.
Oct 16 Israeli airstrikes on the cease‑fire anniversary caused new civilian fatalities.
Oct 17 Heidi Levine was kicked, stripped of her equipment and hospitalized after being assaulted by roughly fifty young settlers.
Oct 17 A London demonstration of roughly 250,000 participants was added to the global protest series.
Oct 17 Settlers attacked a diplomatic convoy in Taybeh, injuring French mayor Bernard Baudoux.
Oct 19 Israeli police have taken eight individuals into custody following a series of assaults by settlers in the West Bank, which targeted a U.S. photojournalist and several European diplomats.
Oct 19 Police have arrested ten suspects and filed charges of violent conduct and breach of military orders.

In this story