Blow to Likud: Israelis abroad will be helped to get to the polls

A Likud petition against the Fly&Vote project, which helps Israelis abroad return to vote in elections, was withdrawn after a hearing in the Central Elections Committee. The project assists 500–600 citizens who pay for their own tickets. At least 53,000 Israelis are expected to arrive from abroad.

A petition by the Likud party against the Fly&Vote project, which helps Israelis living abroad return to Israel to vote in elections, was withdrawn after a hearing in the Central Elections Committee. The hearing was chaired by Supreme Court Justice Noam Solberg. Likud representative Ilan Bombach announced the withdrawal of the petition following the judge's recommendation. During the discussion, it emerged that the project assists a maximum of 500–600 citizens who pay for their own airline tickets at full price. Fly&Vote welcomed the committee's decision and stated they would continue their work. At least 53,000 citizens are expected to arrive from abroad for the upcoming elections. These estimates are based on a survey of approximately 17,500 Israelis. 72% of respondents stated their intention to come to Israel on election day, and 58% have already purchased airline tickets. The main obstacle to voting was cited as the high cost of airline tickets, noted by 58% of respondents.