50,000 Israeli expats fly home to vote in potential boon to Netanyahu rivals

NEW YORK — Over 50,000 Israelis living abroad are expected to fly home to vote in the Oct. 27 election — cast by many observers as the most consequential in the nation’s history — in a surge that could boost Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s opponents.

Several Israelis based in the United States told Al-Monitor they believe this election provides the best chance to defeat the premier, a divisive figure who has served a collective 19 years in office since first coming to power in 1996. 

The AID Coalition, a US-based nonprofit supporting Israeli democracy, estimated in September that at least 53,000 Israelis will return home to vote. Through its Fly & Vote initiative, the group helps voters arrange flights, though travelers must cover their own expenses.

Under Israeli law, citizens cannot vote from overseas, though there are exceptions for diplomats and others, including overseas employees of the World Zionist Organization and the Jewish Agency for Israel. Such individuals can vote at Israeli embassies and consulates.