Israeli Political Commentator Calls to Bar Expats From Voting
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Political commentator Tamir Murg called for the next Israeli Knesset to prevent Israelis living abroad for many years from voting in national elections. He argued that only those living in Israel and facing its security realities should decide the country's future. Murg proposed exceptions for Israelis on state missions or studying abroad, emphasizing his stance is not politically motivated but based on who bears the consequences of Israeli policy.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Commentator Tamir Murg wants to bar long-term Israeli expats from voting.
- He argues only residents facing security consequences should decide Israel's future.
- Murg proposed exceptions for Israelis abroad on state missions or for study.
- His call is not politically motivated but based on who bears policy impacts.
- He urged parties across the political spectrum to unite for this legislative change.
Political commentator Tamir Murg has called for the next Knesset to revoke the voting rights of Israelis who have lived abroad for many years, regardless of their political stance. Murg argued that those who reside in Israel and bear its security consequences should be the ones to decide its future. He proposed that Israelis living abroad on state missions or for study purposes should be exempt from this restriction.
Murg expressed his firm opposition to the participation of long-term expatriate Israelis in elections, urging the next Knesset to legislate a ban on them coming to Israel to vote. He stated that while many countries allow their citizens to vote from abroad, Israel's situation necessitates a reevaluation. Murg emphasized that his position is not driven by political considerations, citing friends in Florida who voted right-wing and relatives in London who voted left-wing.
"Israel is not a normal country. Voting here is not like voting in Belgium or Sweden," Murg said, explaining his core objection. "They live abroad, and that's perfectly fine, but when they come here to cast a ballot, ultimately, those who receive missiles on their heads or get a reserve duty notice in the mail, that's us," he stated.
Murg appealed to parties across the political spectrum to unite in changing the law, suggesting that all parties should pass legislation in the next Knesset preventing Israelis residing abroad for many years from voting. However, he clarified that Israelis abroad for limited periods, such as state emissaries and students, should be excluded, differentiating their situation from those who have chosen to settle in another country long-term.
