Ground Report: Thousands of Israelis fly home to vote in polls and Why Netanyahu's party is concerned

Thousands of Israelis living abroad are flying home for the October 27 election. Their ballots could influence a closely contested race where voting from abroad is largely barred.

In Short

• Estimated 67,000 returning, half from the US
• Votes from abroad could sway tight election results
• Netanyahu's party tried to block voting return campaigns

Thousands of Israelis living abroad are flying back to the country to cast their votes in the October 27 election, with many travelling thousands of kilometres for a single day at the ballot box.

At Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport, the arrivals are not just tourists or visitors. Many are Israelis returning home specifically to participate in the electoral process, as the country does not allow postal or online voting for citizens living abroad. Apart from diplomats and a few official emissaries, citizens must be physically present in Israel to cast their votes.

This time, the numbers are expected to be significant. According to an estimate by a US-based group, as many as 67,000 Israelis will fly to the country for Tuesday's election. Around half are expected to come from the United States, while others are travelling from Europe, Canada, Australia and other parts of the world. Most are paying for their trips themselves.

When India Today spoke to arrivals at the airport, several expressed excitement about returning to participate in the election. Among those arriving were Israelis travelling from Azerbaijan and other parts of Asia, keen to exercise their voting rights.

WHY THEIR VOTES MATTER

The return of Israelis living abroad could prove significant in an election expected to be closely contested. Israel has more than 7.3 million voters, and opinion polls point to a dead heat in the race.

Analysts believe Israelis living abroad tend to favour political change. Their votes could therefore become an important factor in a tight contest, potentially influencing the equivalent of around two seats, according to estimates.

The prospect has also drawn political attention. Netanyahu's Likud party tried to block a campaign aimed at flying Israelis home to vote, according to allegations surrounding the effort.

The election comes amid a period in which a record number of Israelis have left the country since 2022. Now, thousands of those living abroad are making the journey back, not for a holiday or a visit, but to help decide who will govern Israel.

For many arriving at Ben Gurion Airport, the trip represents a direct opportunity to take part in a closely fought election in a country where voting from abroad is largely not an option.

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