Ballot logistics: 80,000 Israelis fly home for Tuesday's vote

Israelis residing abroad cannot cast ballots from foreign soil. Only those serving in diplomatic missions are permitted to vote overseas. Consequently, an estimated 80,000 citizens living outside the country are preparing to return to Israel by Tuesday to participate in the national election. This group represents a small fraction of the 7.3 million eligible voters, yet their participation could sway the outcome in a closely contested race.

The election marks the first vote since 2022. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has led the country for 18 years across three separate terms, faces Gadi Eisenkot. Eisenkot is a former chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces and the leader of the Yashar party. Both leaders will likely require support from smaller parties to form a governing coalition.

Yael Shomer, a political science professor at Tel Aviv University, noted that while 80,000 votes is not a large block, it could make a difference in the final tally. She stated that the election is particularly hard fought because of its impact on the country's future. Shomer predicted very high voter turnout, comparing the current energy to previous cycles while noting the specific stakes involved.

Polls show an extremely tight race. Security remains a primary concern, with the ongoing war with Iran making the issue more contentious. Additional divisions exist over the conscription exemption for some ultra-Orthodox men and Netanyahu's plan to increase coalition control over the judiciary. These issues have sharpened political lines across Israeli society.

Turnout in 2022 stood just above 70 percent, according to Israel's Central Elections Committee. Pollsters now estimate this year's turnout could reach 87 percent. Among foreign service workers in embassies and consulates, turnout reached 90 percent, a figure significantly higher than the typical 70 percent baseline.

The America-Israel Democracy Coalition, a U.S.-based group founded in 2023, launched an initiative called Fly & Vote to assist citizens abroad. Because political parties are prohibited from paying for transportation, the coalition used private donations to charter a flight from Portugal and purchase ticket blocks for travelers from the New York area. Passengers paid for their own seats.

Ora Peled-Nakash, a co-founder of the coalition, said the group does not take a political position or direct how individuals vote. The goal is simply to help citizens exercise their right to participate. Commercial airlines are also providing options. Arkia and Israir have recently begun or expanded routes from the U.S., while United, Delta, Lufthansa, and British Airways are operating or restarting service to Israel.

Flight prices remain comparable to pre-war levels. As of Sunday, El Al offered seats from New York's JFK and Newark airports for between $1,300 and $2,500. This follows a period of political instability that saw five elections between 2019 and 2022. Tuesday's result will determine the country's political, security, and economic direction for the coming years.