Tens of thousands of Israeli expatriates have returned to Israel to participate in the Knesset elections scheduled for Tuesday, in a concerted effort to unseat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Among them is Adam Pines, a 47-year-old resident of Los Angeles who spent nearly $3,000 on a flight to Tel Aviv, motivated by concerns over the country's political direction and Netanyahu’s leadership.
Israel does not permit most citizens living abroad to vote by mail, requiring expatriates to travel internationally if they wish to cast ballots. At least 53,000 Israelis living overseas are reportedly making the journey this election cycle, reflecting a growing discontent with the current government.
Pines and many others express frustration over several divisive issues facing Israeli society. Key concerns include Netanyahu’s handling of security and military matters, particularly criticism over his response to the October 7 attacks originating from Gaza, which resulted in a significant death toll among Palestinians and heightened violence in the occupied West Bank. Since late September, the West Bank has seen over 170 reported attacks, intensifying regional tensions. Human rights groups and critics accuse Netanyahu of insufficient action to curb settler violence, a charge he denies.
The ongoing conflict has not only had tragic humanitarian consequences but also affected Israel’s global reputation. Recent attacks against foreign journalists and diplomatic delegations in the West Bank have sparked international condemnation and reportedly contributed to increased anti-Semitic and anti-Israeli incidents abroad.
Another point of contention among Israeli expatriates is the government’s stance on military conscription and the exemptions granted to ultra-Orthodox communities, which many consider a source of social division within Israel.
Among those returning to vote is Orit Eyal-Fibeesh, a London-based charity worker who moved to the United Kingdom 24 years ago. She has joined her family in traveling back to Israel, with each spending roughly £1,000 on flights. Eyal-Fibeesh plans to support the opposition Democrats party, led by Yair Golan, seeing the election as a crucial opportunity to redirect Israel away from what she views as a dangerous political trajectory under Netanyahu. She also co-founded We Democracy, a grassroots group that has organized protests opposing Netanyahu’s judicial reform efforts since early 2023.
Other expatriates, such as Yuval Yashiv, a medical technology director in the UK, emphasize the importance of voting due to the broader implications of Israel’s future for Jewish communities worldwide. Many express a shared sense of responsibility toward their families in Israel, as well as the global Jewish diaspora.
With the election expected to be closely contested, the influx of votes from expatriates could significantly influence the outcome, potentially reshaping Israel’s political landscape.