Likud Demands Ban on Free Hosting of Overseas Voters Citing Electoral Bribery Concerns

The Likud party has formally requested Israel's Central Elections Committee to investigate and prohibit the practice of offering free accommodation and transportation to Israeli voters traveling from abroad for elections. Likud's legal advisor, Attorney Ilan Bombach, described this as a "new and serious phenomenon" of voter inducement through prohibited gifts, equating it to electoral bribery.

Bombach highlighted a specific initiative by Dr. Chen Katzavitz Persler and her partner, who publicly offered free lodging to Israelis living overseas coming to vote, a campaign that quickly gained momentum with hundreds volunteering their homes. The initiative also includes transportation to polling stations, raising concerns about providing benefits that could influence voters' decisions.

The request, addressed to Central Elections Committee Chair Judge Noam Solberg and Acting CEO Attorney Din Lavneh, cites Section 123 of election law, which prohibits not only monetary bribes but also services or other benefits that could affect voting rights. Bombach emphasized that proving actual influence on voters is unnecessary; the mere potential to sway voters by reducing travel costs is sufficient.

He urged the committee to issue clear guidelines banning such gifts or inducements to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process. The Likud's move reflects growing scrutiny over new forms of voter mobilization ahead of upcoming elections.