JERUSALEM — Israel’s legislative elections on Tuesday have thrust an unusual logistical question into the spotlight: how far can organizations go to help expatriate citizens return home to cast their ballots?
Unlike many democracies, Israel does not permit its citizens to vote from abroad, except in limited cases involving diplomats and certain officials on mission. That rule meant tens of thousands of Israelis living overseas had to consider booking flights if they wanted to participate in the October 27 vote.
Electoral Commission Weighs In
The central election committee examined the issue in recent weeks after the Likud party, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, filed a challenge against a program designed to facilitate expatriates’ return.
The program, called Fly&Vote, was organized by AID Coalition, a U.S.-based nonprofit that emerged from the 2023 mobilization against the government’s judicial overhaul. The organization describes itself as nonpartisan, stating it supports no candidate or party and that travelers cover their own expenses. Six flights were announced under the initiative.
Likud’s Objections
On September 16, Likud petitioned the central election committee, arguing that the assistance — including booking help, price reductions, and ancillary services — could constitute benefits prohibited under electoral law and might encourage beneficiaries to vote for opposition parties.
The party’s lawyer, Ilan Bombach, also questioned the involvement of an organization based abroad.
Compromise Reached
On October 6, the dispute ended in a compromise before Judge Noam Sohlberg, who presides over the central election committee. Likud withdrew its petition, and in return AID Coalition agreed to subsidize no tickets, offer no discounts, and organize no additional flights. The six already-announced flights would proceed at airline-set fares.
The agreement also limited ancillary services, including transportation and accommodation. The association agreed to pay 10,000 shekels toward Likud’s legal costs.
Likud characterized the outcome as a legal victory, while organizers stressed they could continue their activity.
Turnout Questions
How many expatriates actually made the journey remains uncertain. With polls suggesting a tight race, their ballots could influence the result. On October 22, Fly&Vote estimated that about 67,000 expatriates planned to return to vote, up from 53,000 earlier in the month.
For those travelers, one obligation remained unchanged: being present in Israel on election day, Tuesday, October 27.
