Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party is threatening legal action against an initiative seeking to bring Israeli citizens back in order to vote in the October 27 national election.
Israel does not have absentee voting, with the exception of diplomats and emissaries posted around the world. But returning citizens can vote as long as they are in the country and registered.
The AID Coalition organization is running an initiative called “Fly and Vote” aiming to help coordinate travel for Israelis looking to return for the election.
The Likud sends a letter threatening to appeal against the organization to the Central Elections Committee, accusing it of operating illegally and in contradiction to the laws surrounding party financing.
The organization asserts that it “does not endorse any candidate or party” and says it does not cover any travel costs.
Studies have suggested that a majority of Israelis who consider moving abroad tend to be more left-leaning politically, likely fueling Likud’s attempt to thwart the effort.
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