Likud party seeks to block initiatives helping Israeli expats vote

The Likud party, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has petitioned Israel's Central Elections Committee to block initiatives designed to assist Israeli citizens living abroad in returning to the country to vote in the upcoming Knesset elections on October 27.

The petition targets the America-Israel Democracy (AID) Coalition and its FLY&AID project, as well as the Israeli Camp organization. Likud argues that these initiatives are politically motivated, intended to benefit opposition parties, and constitute a violation of campaign finance laws. The ruling party has characterized the efforts as a form of “disguised bribery” and claimed they are linked to the Democrats party led by Yair Golan.

In contrast, the AID Coalition denies these allegations, stating it operates independently to provide bureaucratic assistance rather than financial support. The controversy highlights a significant hurdle for the estimated one million Israelis living abroad, as Israel is among the few countries that requires citizens to be physically present in the country to cast a ballot. This issue is particularly sensitive given the high political polarization and the close contest expected in the first general election since October 7, 2023.