Kalman Libeskind Criticizes Israelis Abroad Returning to Vote as 'Impertinent'

Israeli journalist Kalman Libeskind sharply criticized Israelis living abroad who plan to return to Israel specifically to vote in upcoming elections. Writing on social media platform X, Libeskind called these individuals "impertinent people" and condemned initiatives aimed at facilitating their travel back to Israel on election day. He argued that those who do not live in Israel should not decide how life is run there, emphasizing that only those who bear the daily burdens and consequences of living in Israel should influence its political decisions.

In his weekly column for the newspaper Makor Rishon, Libeskind expanded on his stance, addressing interviews with Israelis abroad who expressed their intention to come back to vote. He criticized what he sees as the legitimization of electoral involvement by people who have chosen to relocate their lives to other countries. Libeskind specifically mentioned the Fly&Vote initiative, which reportedly seeks to assist tens of thousands of eligible voters living overseas in returning to Israel for the elections. He clarified that his objection is not about the legality of voting from abroad but about the ethical question of whether non-residents, who do not regularly face the consequences of government decisions, should participate in determining the country's leadership.