Likud Lawyer Claims Hosting Overseas Voters Constitutes Illegal Election Bribery

Attorney Ilan Bombach, legal counsel for the Likud party and an expert in administrative and white-collar crime law, criticized the practice of hosting Israeli voters living abroad for free, labeling it as election bribery. Speaking to 103FM, Bombach explained that Likud's legal advisor has petitioned the Central Elections Committee to ban such free hospitality, which is often promoted on social media platforms to influence voters in the race for prime minister.

Bombach emphasized that many people who host these voters may be well-intentioned but unaware that this constitutes a violation of election law. He cited Section 122 of the Elections Law, which prohibits offering any benefit or inducement to sway a voter’s choice, regardless of the party. He noted that even though Israelis abroad cannot vote at consulates or by other means, the law still applies and must be respected until changed.

He further argued that it is problematic that non-residents, who do not live in Israel or pay taxes, attempt to influence domestic elections. Bombach distinguished between hosting family members, which is permissible, and institutionalized hospitality aimed at persuading unknown voters, which he considers bribery. He referenced a 2022 ruling by Judge Hanan Meltzer affirming that any benefit given to influence voting is illegal, except for transportation to and from polling stations, which is explicitly allowed under Section 123 of the law.

In parallel, Bombach mentioned that Likud sent a formal warning to Keren Kayemet LeIsrael (Jewish National Fund) chairman Eyal Ostrinsky to remove social media posts supporting former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot’s bid for prime minister, highlighting concerns about impartiality and legal compliance.