Netanyahu’s party proposes restricting the return of Israelis from abroad to participate in elections

The Likud party, led by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, filed an appeal with the Central Election Commission on Wednesday to block initiatives encouraging Israelis living abroad to return to the country to vote in the legislative elections on October 27. The election is expected to be a close one, and the stakes are attracting voters who cannot vote from outside Israel.

Israeli law does not allow citizens residing abroad to vote at embassies or consulates, with the exception of consular staff. The Central Bureau of Statistics estimates that approximately 600,000 Israelis are in this situation.

Opponents of the government support the “Fly and vote” project, coordinated by the American organization Aid Coalition, and offer logistical assistance, including airline tickets at preferential rates and help with administrative procedures. The Democrats, an opposition party, also support the initiative.

Likud lawyer Ilan Bombach called for these practices to be halted, comparing them to an “electoral bribe” and describing them as possible violations of legislation on party financing. Likud proposed, instead, administrative assistance only, without paying for transportation.

According to polls, the electoral contest will be between Netanyahu’s bloc and the camp of centrist Gadi Eisenkot.