As Israel approaches its election on Tuesday, an estimated 80,000 citizens living abroad are expected to return to cast their votes, a move that could sway the results in a highly competitive race.
With around 7.3 million eligible voters, the participation of these expatriates, organized by the Fly & Vote initiative, highlights the importance of voter turnout in a context where polls indicate a very close contest between incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the Likud party and Gadi Eisenkot of the Yashar party.
The election is particularly significant as it is the first since 2022 and comes amid heightened tensions related to security issues, including the ongoing conflict with Iran and domestic debates over military conscription exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men.
Political analysts, like Yael Shomer from Tel Aviv University, emphasize that this election could have lasting implications for Israel's future, with voter turnout potentially reaching as high as 87%, compared to just over 70% in the previous election.
The Fly & Vote initiative, funded through private donations, aims to facilitate the return of voters from abroad, reflecting the deep engagement of the Israeli diaspora in national affairs. The outcome of this election could shape Israel's political landscape for years, especially after a period of instability marked by five elections between 2019 and 2022