Tens of thousands of Israelis abroad fly home to vote in pivotal election — SkimNews
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- Yael Natra flew 6,000 miles from Toronto to Tel Aviv to vote against Netanyahu’s government, citing eroding democracy and societal division in Israel.
- AID Coalition estimates up to 67,000 Israeli expatriates will return to vote, with about half coming from the United States, through its 'Fly&Vote' initiative.
- Hadar Susskind and four U.S.-based relatives returned to Israel to 'reaffirm democracy,' opposing settlement expansion and calling for an end to destructive policies in Gaza and the West Bank.
- Mairav Zonszein noted that many Israelis abroad, especially since October 7, are more exposed to international isolation and may be motivated to vote out Netanyahu.
- Dahlia Scheindlin observed that while anti-Netanyahu sentiment drives much of the expatriate mobilization, some returning voters also support Netanyahu’s side.
- Eti Wissotzky Cohen returned from the U.K. to vote for the centre-left Democrats party, citing democratic backsliding and the government’s actions during the June 2025 conflict with Iran.
Why it matters: With polling showing a tight race, the return of tens of thousands of expatriates—many disillusioned by Netanyahu’s handling of the October 7 attacks and democratic erosion—could shift the balance. Their votes may reflect a broader rejection of hard-right policies, affecting coalition formation and Israel’s domestic and foreign policy direction.
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