Likud Urges Ban on Free Hosting of Overseas Voters, Calls It Electoral Bribery

The Likud party has formally requested Israel's Central Elections Committee to investigate and potentially ban the practice of offering free accommodation and transportation to Israeli voters residing abroad who return to vote. Likud's legal advisor, Attorney Ilan Bombach, described this as a "new and serious phenomenon" involving inducement of voters through prohibited gifts, equating it to electoral bribery.

Bombach's appeal, addressed to Committee Chair Judge Noam Solberg and Acting CEO Attorney Din Lavneh, cites a growing initiative led by Dr. Chen Katzavitz Persler and her partner, who publicly offered free lodging to overseas Israelis coming to vote. This initiative quickly expanded, with hundreds volunteering their homes and providing transportation to polling stations. Bombach argues that these benefits could influence voters by significantly lowering the cost of returning to Israel to vote.

The request references Section 123 of election law, which prohibits not only monetary bribes but also "services or other benefits" that could affect voting decisions. Bombach emphasized that proving actual influence on a voter's choice is unnecessary; the mere potential to influence suffices. He urged the Elections Committee to issue clear guidelines forbidding such gifts or benefits to voters, highlighting the severity of the issue and its implications for election integrity.

The Likud's move reflects concerns about maintaining fair electoral practices and preventing indirect vote-buying through hospitality and logistical support to voters abroad. The committee's response and any resulting regulations are awaited as the next step.