Likud Minister Urges Israelis Abroad Not to Vote to Prevent Anti-Netanyahu Shift

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Likud Minister Shlomo Karhi urged Israelis living abroad not to return to Israel to vote against Netanyahu in the October 27 elections, emphasizing that only residents should influence the country's future. The issue arises amid growing numbers of Israelis abroad buying flights to vote in person, despite legal requirements. Likud also opposed free hosting initiatives for overseas voters, and some abroad have faced difficulties confirming their voter registration.

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Likud Minister Karhi says Israelis abroad should not vote to oppose Netanyahu.
Israeli law requires in-person voting within Israel, complicating overseas voting.
Many Israelis abroad are buying flights to return for the October 27 elections.
Likud opposed free hosting of overseas voters, calling it an undue benefit.
Some overseas Israelis report difficulty confirming voter registration status.
Concerns exist that obstacles may be intended to discourage overseas voters.

Likud Minister Urges Israelis Abroad Not to Vote to Prevent Anti-Netanyahu Shift — איור מערכת שנוצר על ידי baba News, לא צילום של האירוע.

Likud Minister Shlomo Karhi stated on Wednesday that Israelis living abroad should not come to Israel to vote in the upcoming elections solely to oppose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Speaking on Radio 103, Karhi argued that only those living in Israel should influence the country's future, saying, "Whoever does not live here should not come just because of their 'anything but Bibi' stance to try to change the government." He added that any Jew is welcome to immigrate to Israel and contribute to building the country.

The elections are scheduled for October 27. Recently, many Israelis abroad have shared screenshots on social media showing flight tickets purchased specifically to return to Israel to vote. Israeli law requires citizens to vote in person within the country, which can involve costly and time-consuming travel.

This has sparked debate as some Israelis abroad plan to return solely to vote. Earlier this month, Likud petitioned the election committee against an initiative to host voters from abroad for free, claiming it constituted an undue benefit. Additionally, some Israelis living overseas reported difficulties confirming their registration status in the voter registry through the Interior Ministry, with the official government bot failing to provide clear information on their eligibility or polling locations. Some expressed suspicion that this might be an attempt to discourage voters from abroad.

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