'A celebration for democracy': Israeli voters speak of change, unity and the importance of voting

As Israelis headed to the polls on Tuesday, voters spoke to i24NEWS about the importance of democracy, the need for political change and their hopes for the country's future.

For some, the election represented an opportunity for a fundamental change in direction, while others emphasized the importance of maintaining Israel's Jewish identity and security.

Nita, who has lived in Israel for 54 years and worked as a teacher for four decades, told i24NEWS that the country needed significant reforms so she's backing the Democrats.

"Because this country has to change and has to change radically," she said, pointing to education, healthcare and social issues, particularly those affecting Israel's Arab population.

"I do believe there can be some kind of change. Yes. And I do believe that education is the key to change."

Despite expressing disappointment at the number of Arab voters she had seen near polling stations in Jaffa, Nita remained optimistic.

"I still see a lot of people and a lot of hope in the air," she said.

The importance of participating in democracy also motivated Israelis living abroad to return home to cast their ballots.

One voter who traveled from the United States told i24NEWS that the election's significance justified the journey.

"It's a critical election and many of us flew in to try and make a change," she said.

Another voter emphasized the importance of teaching younger generations to value their democratic rights, regardless of political affiliation.

"It's a privilege that they get to vote and you know, and be a part of this," the voter said.

Describing the atmosphere at the polling station, the voter added that elections should be "a celebration for democracy."

Despite the country's political divisions, another voter argued that Israelis remained more united than political discourse suggested.

"Truth is, I think we're much more united than many times we see, you know, in politics," the voter said.

For supporters of the political right, security and Jewish identity were central motivations.

One young Netanyahu supporter explained that Israel's democratic character must coexist with its Jewish identity.

"We are in a democratic country, but we are also a Jewish country," she said, emphasizing the importance of having a safe place to practice Judaism.

She also called for greater youth participation in politics, saying, "It's important for everyone to listen to our voice because we are not heard enough."

Another voter, who backed National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, described him as "a strong leader."

The voter, who had served in the military and lived abroad, acknowledged the divisive nature of the election campaign, comparing it to American politics.

"Like every campaign, dirty. Even in the United States, the last campaign was dirty. And over here it's dirty too," he said.

He argued that military service influenced political preferences, claiming that "most of the soldiers, they tend to go to the right to Bibi and Ben-Gvir."

He also pointed to Israelis returning from the United States to vote as evidence of the election's importance, saying, "They care about what's happening over here."

Asked to predict the election's outcome, he answered simply: "Bibi."

While voters disagreed over the country's political direction, their interviews reflected a shared conviction that participation in the election mattered, whether to bring about change, preserve national identity or strengthen Israeli democracy.