Israelis fly home to vote in tight election

· Politics · Israel

Tens of thousands of Israelis were returning home to vote in Tuesday's general election, since citizens cannot cast ballots from abroad. A "Fly and Vote" initiative is helping expats organize trips, despite a failed petition from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party. Netanyahu is campaigning on security credentials and touting US President Donald Trump's endorsement, while reportedly pressuring the military to act against Iran; his defence minister denied reports of a rift with the army. Rival Gadi Eisenkot, a former army chief, pledged to "heal" Israeli society. Polls suggest Likud could lose seats, and the vote is framed as a reckoning over the October 7, 2023 attack.

Why it matters：The outcome will shape Israeli policy on Iran, Gaza and the West Bank, and US-Israeli relations at a volatile moment.

Key points

  • Citizens cannot vote from abroad, prompting the expat airlift.
  • Netanyahu is touting Trump's endorsement and warning on Iran.
  • Polls suggest Likud may lose seats; voting is Tuesday.

Sources (original reporting)

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