Around 80,000 Israelis abroad rush home to vote in general election

[Financial News] With Israel’s general election, to be held on the 27th (local time), shaping up as an unprecedentedly close race, Israeli citizens living abroad are streaming home to exercise their right to vote.
According to a report by business news network CNBC, up to 80,000 Israelis living abroad are estimated to return to vote in this general election, out of an electorate of about 7.3 million.
Israel does not allow overseas mail-in or proxy voting, except for those working at diplomatic missions abroad, such as diplomats. 
Yael Shoher, a political science professor at Tel Aviv University, said, “Although 80,000 is not a very large share of the electorate, in this extremely close election, where the margin between candidates is small, it could be a decisive factor in determining the winner.”
This general election, the first to be held since 2022, will be a two-way race between incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the Likud Party, who has served a total of 18 years as prime minister, and Gadi Eisenkot, a candidate who leads the Yashar Party and is a former chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Support from coalition partners is essential for both candidates to win.
The election is taking place as the war with the Islamic Republic of Iran escalates in earnest, bringing security issues to the fore. The issue of exemptions from military service for young people in the ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) community, along with legislation pursued by Netanyahu’s government to strengthen its control over the judiciary, is also intensifying social divisions.
Professor Shoher said, “All Israeli elections are passionate, but this one is more fiercely contested than any other because of its enormous impact on the country’s future,” and predicted, “Voter turnout will also be very high.” According to Israel’s Central Elections Committee, turnout was around 70% in 2022, but it is forecast to reach as high as 87% in this election. Turnout among staff at diplomatic missions abroad has already reached 90%.
Civic groups have also stepped in to help Israelis living abroad return home. An organization called “Fly & Vote” secured large numbers of seats on charter flights and flights departing from New York, helping overseas voters purchase them individually. Since election law prohibits political parties and organizations from directly covering transportation costs, voters are buying their own tickets.
Ora Peled-Nakashi, a co-founder of the organization, emphasized, “Even when living abroad, Israeli citizens have a stake in their country’s future,” adding, “We do not force anyone to vote for a particular party; we only help them exercise their right to vote.”
Recently, major U.S. airlines including United and Delta resumed flights to Israel despite the effects of the war, and European airlines also restarted operations, making it easier for overseas voters to return home.
Israel has experienced political instability, holding elections as many as five times between 2019 and 2022 alone. The outcome of this general election is expected to be a watershed that will determine the country’s political, security and economic direction for years to come.


[email protected] Yoon Jae-joon Reporter