The Israelis Flying 6,000 Miles to Vote Against Netanyahu
Summary
Thousands of Israelis living abroad plan to fly back to Israel to vote in the October 27 election, as Israeli law requires voters to be physically present in the country. Many are motivated by concerns over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s potential re-election and its effects on Israel’s future.Key Facts
- About 53,000 Israelis living abroad are expected to return to Israel to vote in the upcoming election.
- Israeli law generally does not allow absentee voting for citizens abroad, except for diplomats and some government workers.
- Travel to Israel for voting can be costly, with round-trip flights from New York to Tel Aviv costing around $1,800.
- Fly&Vote, an organization helping Israeli voters abroad, assists with travel logistics but does not subsidize airfare.
- Netanyahu’s Likud party challenged Fly&Vote, claiming the assistance might break election rules, but a compromise was reached.
- Some activists involved in recent protests and hostage aid efforts are now helping organize voter turnout among Israelis abroad.
- Some expatriates see the election as important not only for Israel but for Jewish communities outside Israel, including in the U.S.
- Concerns about rising antisemitism in places like New York also motivate some Israelis abroad to vote.
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