Young Voters Could Decide Israel's Next Government

Approximately 640,000 young Israelis aged 18 to 22 will vote for the first time in the upcoming elections, representing a significant electoral bloc that could determine the next prime minister and the composition of the coalition government. This demographic, equivalent to 15 to 17 Knesset seats, is poised to be a deciding factor in an election expected to be decided by narrow margins.

A podcast discussion featuring young political activists explored the concerns and perspectives of these first-time voters. Participants included Raz Malka, an activist with the Am Ech Israel party and co-founder of the 1701 Lobby; Nof Gabai, a Likud activist; and Mark Ben Mikhelson, an activist with Yisrael Beiteinu.

The discussion, hosted by Walla political correspondent and analyst Yehuda Schlesinger on the podcast "HaKol HaBa" (The Next Voice), delved into the issues that matter most to young Israelis. They examined where these voters get their information, their understanding of the parties they support, and their outlook for Israel in the coming years.

Key topics raised included who politicians should apologize to, the political battle between Prime Minister Netanyahu and Benny Gantz, and the economic challenges facing the country, particularly the high cost of living. The activists debated whether politicians owe voters an apology and whether they themselves should apologize for certain actions or stances.