Returning Diaspora Voters Flood Israel Ahead of Knesset Vote
Hotel occupancy rises as citizens from abroad travel to vote, though political analysts debate their exact impact on the final seat count.
By Evan Wright ·
Israelis living overseas are returning in large numbers for Tuesday's national elections, creating a variable that could influence the final tally in a close race. An estimated 70,000 citizens have arrived or are expected to land before voting day. While no official census exists for these returning voters, their combined ballots represent a potential swing factor in the contest between major political blocs.
The mathematical weight of this group depends on the cost of a Knesset seat. In 2022, candidates required roughly 36,000 votes to secure one seat. Due to population growth and higher anticipated turnout, that threshold is projected to rise to between 38,000 and 39,000 votes this year. Analysts suggest that even if 60% of the returning diaspora voted for the change bloc, the gain would amount to only one to one and a half seats. Whether this margin tips the balance remains unknown until the results are counted.
The influx is visible in the hospitality sector, where chains report higher occupancy rates during election week. Many travelers are combining their vote with family visits or short vacations. Africa Israel Hotels saw occupancy increase by approximately 23% 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 reported higher bookings, particularly in central Israel. Maya Shalev, the vice president of marketing and sales, attributed the rise to the elections. The chain is offering discounts of up to 30%, with an additional 10% for loyalty club members, from October 25 to 29.
The timeline for these arrivals began with logistical challenges and culminated in a major public gathering. Some travelers faced delays after flydubai canceled flights following an attempted terrorist attack, which pushed up airfare costs for others. Tens of thousands of voters attended the October Council rally at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on Saturday night. Judy, a resident of the US for more than 50 years, traveled from Miami to vote and will fly back in early November. She stated that many Israelis in Miami and Los Angeles tend to vote for the Right, but she and others differ. Ofer, who came from New York, said his family flew in specifically to vote and will return the day after the elections. Zehava, also from New York, said she plans to vote for Likud and planned her visit in advance.
Not all planned returns were completed due to travel disruptions. One young man said the flight cancellations forced him to pay higher prices to reach the Far East. Conversely, some Israelis residing in the country will be overseas on Election Day. Racheli, from Ramat Gan, booked a vacation in Vietnam with her husband almost a year ago, before the election date was fixed. She said this will be the first time she does not vote, calling it a shame that Israelis traveling abroad cannot cast their ballots on Election Day.
The next scheduled step is the official count of votes on Tuesday. The total number of returning diaspora voters will be known only after the polls close. The final seat distribution will reveal whether the estimated 70,000 arrivals altered the outcome between the competing blocs.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
