Likud Threatens Legal Action to Halt Fly&Vote Project Bringing Israelis Home to Vote
The Likud party has issued a formal warning to the organizations behind the Fly&Vote initiative, which aims to help Israelis abroad return to Israel to vote in upcoming elections. In a letter sent on Sunday through attorney Ilan Bombach, Likud alleges that the project may violate election laws, particularly prohibitions against offering benefits to voters or influencing their votes. The letter was addressed to groups including the America Israel Democracy Coalition, The Israeli Camp, and Aid Coalition, all involved in operating the initiative.
Likud demands that these organizations provide detailed information and documents about the project within five days and immediately cease activities that could affect the election process. The party claims the initiative’s scope is broad and publicly promoted through media interviews and events. The letter cites election law provisions on "election bribery," arguing that providing services or benefits to citizens to influence their vote may constitute an offense.
A key accusation is that the project operators possess a database containing voters’ identifying information and their voting intentions. Likud also alleges that the initiative organizes voter transportation on election day outside legal frameworks and attempts to persuade voters not to support Likud candidates. The party further claims the project includes advertising and propaganda aimed at influencing voters, which must be scrutinized under election campaign and political financing laws.
Likud requests that by August 24, the involved groups formally approach the chairman of the Central Elections Committee to obtain necessary permits and comply with legal payment requirements for prohibited activities. The letter references prior correspondence from May, when Likud demanded the project’s suspension, but says the responses received were insufficient. If demands are unmet, Likud plans to petition the Central Elections Committee chairman to order a halt to the project and reserves the right to pursue additional legal measures.
