The data is revealed: Is there really a rush from abroad to the polling stations?

The article examines whether there is an unusual influx of Israelis from abroad to polling stations, presenting aviation data from Ben Gurion Airport comparing the days before the elections to the same period last year. The data shows a mixed picture without a uniform spike, and the article concludes there is no evidence of an abnormal rush.

The article examines the claim that there is an unusual influx of Israelis from abroad to Israel specifically to vote in the elections. Alongside stories of Israelis who changed their plans, the article presents aviation data from Ben Gurion Airport comparing the days before the elections (late October 2026) to the same period last year. The data shows a mixed picture: on October 25, there were 60,033 passengers compared to 62,435 last year; on October 26, 55,374 compared to 57,731; on election day, October 27, there were 52,270 passengers compared to 46,623 last year – an increase of about 12%. However, on other days there were increases and decreases, and the article concludes that the data does not show evidence of an abnormal rush. The comparison is between corresponding days of the week, not identical dates, and holiday dates may have an effect.