Likud Threatens Legal Action to Halt Flight Subsidy Project for Overseas Israeli Voters

The Likud party has sent a warning letter threatening legal action against the nonprofit AID Coalition, which runs the "Fly & Vote" initiative subsidizing flights for Israelis abroad to return home and vote in the upcoming elections. Likud's lawyer, Ilan Bombach, claims the project constitutes illegal election bribery and violates party funding laws by offering prohibited donations. The party demands the initiative shut down its website and cease providing benefits to voters.

In response, AID Coalition insists the project is nonpartisan, aiming solely to encourage voter participation without checking political affiliations, thus denying any bribery or vote-buying intent. Following the announcement of elections set for October 27, social media has seen increased posts from Israelis abroad planning to return to vote, sparking debate over the legitimacy of such efforts.

Earlier in the month, Likud also appealed to the election committee against a separate initiative offering free hosting for overseas voters, arguing it too constitutes an improper benefit. The party has repeatedly emphasized that Israelis living abroad should not influence domestic election outcomes, stating, "You do not live here. You do not determine our future."