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Israeli election draws tens of thousands flying back to vote
CNBC • • general
Key Points:
- Israel's upcoming election features an extremely tight race, prompting an estimated 80,000 Israelis living abroad to fly back to vote, as the country does not allow absentee voting except for diplomatic staff.
- Voter turnout is expected to be high, potentially reaching 87%, compared to just over 70% in 2022, with foreign service workers showing a 90% turnout rate.
- The America-Israel Democracy Coalition's Fly & Vote initiative has chartered flights and purchased blocks of tickets to facilitate voting for Israelis abroad, although participants must pay for their own seats due to legal restrictions on funding transportation.
- Multiple airlines, including El Al, Arkia, Israir, United, Delta, Lufthansa, and British Airways, are operating or resuming flights to Israel, with ticket prices remaining comparable to normal times.
- This election is seen as pivotal for Israel's future political, security, and economic direction, highlighting the country’s deep political divisions after years of instability and multiple elections since 2019.
