Israeli Election Committee Chief Assures No Arrests for Draft Dodgers, Dismisses Overseas Voting Fraud Claims

Dean Livne, CEO of Israel's Central Elections Committee, reassured the ultra-Orthodox community that draft-dodging Haredim will be able to vote on election day without fear of arrest. Speaking on Kol Barama radio, Livne emphasized that no enforcement operations against draft dodgers will take place during the elections, coordinated with police and legal advisors. He also confirmed that these individuals can serve as polling station secretaries.

Addressing concerns about attempts by left-wing factions to bring large numbers of overseas voters to Israel to influence the election, Livne dismissed such claims as unrealistic. He explained that a single Knesset seat requires over 40,000 votes, while a plane can only carry a few hundred passengers, making it impossible to secure three or four mandates through overseas voting.

Livne strongly rejected conspiracy theories about ballot fraud or voting by deceased individuals, highlighting tightened oversight measures including video recording of vote counting. He stated that the public is highly vigilant and that election theft is virtually impossible.

He attributed efforts to undermine trust in the election process to foreign actors aiming to destabilize Israel from within, spreading false claims such as deceased Haredim voting.

Finally, Livne confirmed that even if a military conflict with Iran erupts on election day, the elections will proceed as planned with polling stations located near protected areas. He noted that postponing elections requires an 80-member Knesset majority, which he deemed unlikely.