Israelis abroad hit back at Likud minister: if the government were normal, we wouldn't leave

Israelis living abroad sharply responded to Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi (Likud), who urged them not to come to the elections to change the government. They said they maintain a deep connection with Israel and suffer the consequences of government decisions. Some have already bought tickets for October 27.

Israelis living abroad on Wednesday, August 12, sharply reacted to a statement by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi (Likud), who called on them not to come to Israel to participate in the elections if they want to bring about a change of government. In an interview with radio station 103FM, Karhi said that those who live in the country should influence its future and accused the left of trying to bring a large number of voters from abroad. Lilah Shani, who lives in New York, called Karhi's words absurd, emphasizing that many left Israel for political reasons but did not cease to be citizens. Anat Ron-Kendal from Oxford, who witnessed the murder of her father by Hamas militants in Nahal Oz on October 7, urged Karhi to show respect for the founders of the state. Keren T. from Portugal, who has already bought tickets, noted that in other countries people vote through consulates, but Israel does not provide such an option. Karhi's remarks came amid disputes about Israelis flying in for the elections; photos of tickets for October 27 are appearing on social media. Likud filed a complaint with the Central Elections Committee about an initiative to provide free accommodation for incoming voters. Those living abroad also reported that they cannot check their registration in the voter registry through the bot on the government website.