70,000 Israelis Return Home to Vote in Tuesday's Knesset Election

Approximately 70,000 Israelis residing abroad are currently in the country or are expected to arrive before Tuesday's Knesset elections. These returnees will cast their ballots in person, adding to the total number of votes counted on election day. While no official count exists yet, this figure represents a substantial block of potential voters who may influence the final tally.

The impact of these voters depends heavily on the margin of victory. In the 2022 election, a candidate needed roughly 36,000 votes to secure a single Knesset seat. With population growth and higher projected turnout this year, the threshold for one seat is estimated to rise between 38,000 and 39,000 votes. If the political blocs finish close, the votes from these 70,000 individuals could determine which side gains control.

Political analysts note that the specific preferences of these returnees remain unclear. Some estimates suggest a majority may support the change bloc, but no reliable polling data exists to confirm this. Even if 60% of the returnees vote for that bloc, the total gain would amount to between one and one-and-a-half seats. The final results will be the only way to determine if these votes shifted the balance of power.

The influx of travelers has also affected the hospitality sector. Many returnees are combining their voting obligations with family visits or short vacations. While some stay with relatives or in owned apartments, a notable number have booked hotel rooms. Africa Israel Hotels reported a 23% increase in occupancy for the week of the election compared to October of last year.

Alex Eliyahu, the marketing director for Africa Israel Hotels, stated that more Israelis are choosing to combine "exercising their democratic right with a short vacation." The chain noted that the increase in bookings is notable, especially considering the more complex security situation during the same period last year.

Fattal Hotels also reported higher occupancy levels, particularly in central Israel. Maya Shalev, the company's vice president of marketing and sales, attributed the rise in bookings to the upcoming elections. The chain is offering discounts of up to 30% for stays between October 25 and 29, with an additional 10% discount for members of its loyalty program. Shalev suggested that bookings from abroad for these dates likely indicate voters traveling home specifically for the election.

Individuals from various countries have made the trip to vote. Judy, who has lived in the United States for more than 50 years, traveled from Miami and plans to return in early November. She noted that while many Israelis in Miami and Los Angeles tend to vote for the Right, she does not. Ofer, who arrived from New York, said his family flew in specifically to vote and will return the day after the election.

Nurit, from the South Sharon area, attended a recent rally with her son-in-law and grandson, who arrived from Canada. Her 18-year-old grandson is casting his first vote. Zehava, who flew in from New York, stated she plans to vote for Likud and had planned her visit in advance. Not all returnees had smooth travel; some were stranded abroad when flydubai canceled flights following an attempted terrorist attack, which increased costs for other routes.

Conversely, some residents of Israel will be overseas on election day. Racheli, from Ramat Gan, is on vacation in Vietnam with her husband. They booked the trip almost a year ago, before the election date was finalized. She described the situation as heartbreaking because it will be the first time she does not vote. She expressed frustration that Israelis traveling abroad cannot vote on election day.