An estimated 70,000 Israelis living abroad have returned or are expected to return to Israel ahead of Tuesday's Knesset elections, potentially influencing the results if the race between the political blocs is close.
Although no precise figures are available, estimates suggest that approximately 70,000 Israelis who live overseas have arrived or will arrive in Israel by Election Day.
Could 70,000 Israelis arriving from abroad influence the election results?
In the 2022 elections, approximately 36,000 votes were needed to secure one Knesset seat. Given population growth and an expected increase in voter turnout, estimates suggest that the threshold for a seat could rise to approximately 38,000 to 39,000 votes.
It is difficult to determine which parties most of the Israelis arriving from abroad will support. Some estimates suggest that many will vote for the change bloc, but there is no reliable measure of their political preferences.
Even if, for example, 60% support the change bloc, this would add at most one to one-and-a-half Knesset seats.
These figures, however, remain estimates. The election results will reveal whether Israelis living abroad have tipped the balance in the event of a close race between the political blocs.
Election Day boosts hotel occupancy by 23%
The vast majority of Israelis arriving from overseas are combining family visits and vacations with Election Day. Most are staying with relatives or friends, or in apartments they own in Israel that are currently vacant.
However, some have chosen to stay in hotels.
Africa Israel Hotels reported an approximately 23% increase in hotel occupancy during election week. Although the comparison is with October of last year, when the security situation was more complicated, the increase appears significant.
"We are seeing an increase in occupancy at Africa Israel Hotels properties across the country ahead of Election Day. We are seeing more Israelis choosing to combine exercising their democratic right with a short vacation, taking advantage of the opportunity to break from their routine and enjoy a hotel stay," said Alex Eliyahu, marketing director of Africa Israel Hotels.
"Alongside the increase in demand, the chain is offering particularly attractive promotions and accommodation packages for Election Day, allowing guests to enjoy vacations at a variety of destinations across the country at affordable prices."
Fattal Hotels also reported an increase in room occupancy at its properties, particularly in central Israel.
"We are seeing an increase in bookings compared with October of last year, apparently due to the elections," said Maya Shalev, vice president of marketing and sales at Fattal Hotels.
"Many Israelis are taking advantage of the day off to combine voting with a vacation. Accordingly, we have offered promotions of up to 30% off, along with an additional 10% discount for members of the 'Fattal and Friends' club between October 25 and 29. At the same time, we are seeing bookings made from abroad for these dates, which may indicate that Israelis are coming to Israel to vote."
'I came from Miami to vote': Israelis returning to the ballot box
Among the tens of thousands who attended the October Council rally at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on Saturday night were Israelis living abroad.
"I came from Miami to vote. I coordinated my vacation in Israel with Election Day, and I'm returning to the US at the beginning of November," said Judy, who has lived in the US for more than 50 years.
"Many Israelis living in Miami and Los Angeles tend to vote for the Right. I'm different, and I'm not alone."
Nurit, from the South Sharon area, attended the rally with her son-in-law and grandson, who had arrived from Canada.
"My grandson is voting for the first time. He's 18 years old. They're combining a family visit with voting in the elections. My daughter stayed in Canada to be with my younger grandson."
Ofer, who arrived from New York, also shared his experience.
"We came to Israel specifically to vote. We're returning to the US the day after the elections. We have family here, and it's an opportunity to see everyone."
Gidi, who arrived from Australia with his wife, is scheduled to fly out of Ben-Gurion Airport on Wednesday.
"We've already been here for three weeks. We've met with many family members and friends. And I'm going back on Wednesday because I have work commitments. My wife will stay here for another two weeks."
In contrast, Zehava, who arrived on a flight from New York, said: "I'm voting for Likud, and I came to visit family ahead of the elections. I planned it in advance."
Canceled flights leave some Israelis unable to vote
Some Israelis had hoped to travel to Israel but were left stranded abroad after flydubai canceled flights following an attempted terrorist attack.
"Flydubai's cancellation caused flight prices to the Far East to rise," explained a young man who had planned to travel to Israel ahead of the elections.
There are also Israelis who live in Israel but will be abroad on Election Day. However, their number appears to be lower than the number of Israelis arriving from overseas.
"I booked the flight tickets for a vacation with my husband in Vietnam almost a year ago, and we didn't know the elections would be held in October. This will be the first time I don't vote. It breaks my heart, but we're going ahead with the vacation we started planning a year ago," said Racheli from Ramat Gan.
"It's a shame that Israelis traveling abroad can't vote on Election Day."
Follow us on GoogleSource: The Jerusalem Post · MOSHE COHEN
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