Netanyahu and Eisenkot Face Off as 80,000 Israelis Fly Home for Tuesday Vote
Tens of thousands of citizens abroad are returning to cast ballots in a deadlocked race where every vote may determine the next prime minister.
By Sakura Novak ·
Approximately 80,000 Israelis living outside the country are expected to return home to vote in Tuesday's election. Estimates from one group organizing these citizens suggest this number could be the deciding factor in a tight race. Israel does not accept votes from abroad, except for those serving in diplomatic missions.
The contest pits Benjamin Netanyahu, the incumbent Prime Minister, against Gadi Eisenkot, the former chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces. Netanyahu, who has led the country for 18 years across three separate periods, represents the Likud party. Eisenkot leads the Yashar party. Both candidates will likely need support from coalition partners to secure a majority.
Yael Shomer, a political science professor at Tel Aviv University, noted that while 80,000 voters is not a large block, it could make a big difference in the final count. She stated that the election is hard fought because it will have a meaningful impact on the country's future. Shomer predicted very high voter turnout.
Polling data shows the race is extremely close. Key issues include security, which has become more contentious during the Iran war. The exemption of some ultra-Orthodox men from military conscription also divides society. Additionally, Netanyahu is working on a plan to give the governing coalition more control over the judiciary.
To assist voters abroad, the America-Israel Democracy Coalition created an organization called Fly & Vote. The group is funded by private donations and has chartered flights for citizens in Portugal and New York. While political parties cannot pay for transportation, Fly & Vote facilitates the process without taking a political position. Ora Peled-Nakash, the group's co-founder, said they help Israelis cast their ballots without telling them how to vote.
Commercial airlines are also offering options. El Al, Arkia, and Israir operate routes to Israel. United and Delta have resumed flights after suspending them during the war with Iran. Lufthansa flies from Europe, and British Airways is scheduled to restart its service this week. As of Sunday, El Al tickets from JFK or Newark ranged from $1,300 to $2,500.
Turnout in the 2022 election was just above 70%. Pollsters believe it could reach 87% this time. Among foreign service workers, turnout was 90% in 2022, which is higher than the usual 70% rate. The result of Tuesday's vote could shape Israel's political, security, and economic direction for years to come.
