70,000 Return to Israel for Tuesday's Knesset Vote

An estimated 70,000 Israelis residing abroad have returned to the country or are expected to arrive before Tuesday's Knesset elections. This influx of voters may influence the final seat allocation if the race between competing political blocs remains close. Official figures remain estimates, as no precise count of returning voters exists.

The potential impact of these ballots can be measured against the threshold required to win a parliamentary seat. In the 2022 elections, approximately 36,000 votes were necessary to secure one seat. Analysts suggest the requirement could rise to between 38,000 and 39,000 votes this time, driven by population growth and higher expected turnout.

Political preferences among the arriving voters are difficult to quantify. Some estimates indicate a leaning toward the change bloc, though reliable data on their specific allegiances is limited. Even if 60% of these voters support that bloc, the result would amount to a gain of at most one to one-and-a-half seats. The election results will determine whether these votes shifted the balance.

The surge in travelers has affected the hospitality sector. Africa Israel Hotels reported a 23% increase in occupancy during election week compared to October of last year. Alex Eliyahu, the chain's marketing director, noted that more Israelis are choosing to pair exercising their democratic right with a short vacation.

Fattal Hotels also experienced higher bookings, particularly in central Israel. Maya Shalev, the vice president of marketing and sales, attributed the increase to the elections. The chain is offering discounts of up to 30%, plus an additional 10% for members of its loyalty program, from October 25 to 29. She said bookings from abroad for these dates suggest Israelis are traveling specifically to vote.

Many returnees attended the October Council rally at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on Saturday night. Judy, a resident of Miami for more than 50 years, said she flew in to vote and will return in early November. She noted that while many Israelis in Miami and Los Angeles tend to vote for the Right, she and others differ. Ofer, from New York, said his family traveled specifically to vote and will leave the day after the election. Nurit attended with her son-in-law and 18-year-old grandson, who arrived from Canada to vote for the first time. Zehava, also from New York, said she plans to vote for Likud and planned her visit in advance.

Some travelers faced logistical hurdles. Flydubai canceled flights following an attempted terrorist attack, stranding some Israelis abroad and pushing up prices for alternative routes. Racheli, from Ramat Gan, is in Vietnam on a vacation booked nearly a year ago. She said this will be the first time she will not vote on Election Day.