After more than a year abroad following the outbreak of war in Israel, tens of thousands of Israeli expatriates are returning home to participate in a pivotal election scheduled for Tuesday. Among them is Nadav Pollak, a former Israeli intelligence officer who fled to Toronto with his family in mid-2025. Despite direct flights from Canada being suspended due to ongoing regional hostilities, Pollak said it was worth paying over $5,700 for a roundabout 14-hour journey via Vienna to cast his ballot.
Israel’s electoral system requires most voters to vote in person, with exceptions limited to diplomats, emissaries, and certain military personnel. This year’s election is widely viewed as one of the most consequential in recent history, coming nearly two years after the Hamas-led attack in October 2023 that plunged the region into sustained conflict. The attack resulted in around 1,200 Israeli deaths and hundreds of hostages taken in Gaza, shattering Israel’s sense of security.
The vote is expected to be closely contested between incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition—which includes far-right, nationalist, and ultraorthodox parties—and a centrist opposition bloc led by former army chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot. Current polls indicate a narrow lead for the opposition coalition, though neither side appears likely to secure the 61 seats needed for a legislative majority. In the event of a deadlock, Netanyahu would continue as caretaker prime minister pending new elections.
An estimated 67,000 Israeli expatriates, many of whom left due to the war, are expected to return to vote, according to Fly&Vote, a U.S.-based nonprofit facilitating flights for Israeli voters abroad. The organization, backed by more than 70 volunteers and staff, coordinated several flights and negotiated travel arrangements despite the challenges posed by suspended direct routes and heightened security concerns. While Fly&Vote maintains a nonpartisan stance, many returning voters expressed opposition to Netanyahu’s leadership, citing dissatisfaction with his government’s handling of security and democratic institutions.
Netanyahu has faced criticism for failing to prevent the Hamas attacks, as well as accusations of enabling extremists within his government and damaging Israel’s international reputation amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. His office did not respond to requests for comment ahead of the vote. Conversely, Netanyahu has framed the election as a battle for Israel’s survival and security.
The influx of voters returning from abroad is drawing significant attention. Many expats have documented their journeys on social media, reflecting widespread interest in this election’s outcome. Most of the returning voters are coming from the United States and Europe, followed by smaller contingents from countries like Canada and Thailand.
Some expatriates say the election outcome will heavily influence their decision on whether to remain abroad or return permanently. Pollak, who has delayed a final decision about his family’s long-term future, stated that another Netanyahu term would increase the likelihood of staying outside Israel. “This government failed on so many levels,” he said, emphasizing his desire to see a different path for the country.