Thousands of Overseas Israelis Return to Vote in October Election
Tens of thousands of Israeli citizens living abroad are returning to Israel to vote in the October 27 election, viewed as a referendum on Benjamin Netanyahu.
More than 50,000 Israeli citizens living abroad are expected to travel to Israel to cast ballots in the October 27 general election. The vote serves as a referendum on Benjamin Netanyahu and his hard-right government following nearly three years of conflict in Gaza, Iran, and Lebanon. Many returning expatriates, including those from Britain, aim to help unseat the prime minister, who currently faces domestic corruption charges and an International Criminal Court warrant.
Because Israel generally prohibits overseas voting for citizens, the US-based NGO Aid Coalition launched the 'Fly & Vote' initiative to assist citizens with travel. The Likud Party challenged the program, accusing the NGO of electoral bribery. A subsequent settlement requires the Aid Coalition to stop selling new flights, though previously purchased tickets remain valid. Jonathan Barsade, president of the Aid Coalition, denied the bribery allegations.
Early voting began on October 14 for approximately 4,800 eligible diplomats and their families across 99 diplomatic missions. The process started in Wellington, New Zealand, and concluded at consulates in San Francisco and Los Angeles. President Isaac Herzog visited the embassy in Baku, Azerbaijan, to observe the process, describing the elections as a "celebration of democracy."
The surge in returning voters has sparked debate over voting laws. While some advocates call for remote or mail-in voting to modernize the system, others argue against granting blanket voting rights to permanent emigrants. Current polls suggest neither Netanyahu's camp nor the opposition bloc can independently secure the 61 seats required to form a government.
