Will 70,000 Israelis returning from abroad for Election Day tip the political balance? - analysis
It is difficult to determine which parties most of the Israelis arriving from abroad will support, though some estimates suggest that many will vote for the change bloc.
An estimated 70,000 Israelis living abroad have arrived or will arrive in Israel ahead of Tuesday's Knesset elections, potentially impacting the results if the race between political factions is tight. While no exact figures are available, it is believed that around 70,000 Israelis residing overseas have come or will come to Israel by Election Day.
This influx could influence the election outcome, as securing one Knesset seat typically requires around 36,000 to 39,000 votes, considering population growth and an anticipated rise in voter turnout. However, it is challenging to determine which parties most of these Israelis will support, as support may vary. Even if, for instance, 60% vote for the change bloc, this would likely add only one or one-and-a-half Knesset seats.
The majority of Israelis arriving from overseas are combining family visits, vacations, or stays in vacant properties with Election Day. Many are staying with relatives or friends, or in properties they own in Israel. Hotel occupancy has increased by approximately 23% in Africa Israel Hotels properties across the country ahead of Election Day.
Fattal Hotels also reported an increase in room occupancy, particularly in central Israel, due to the elections. Some Israelis who had hoped to travel to Israel for the elections are stranded abroad due to Flydubai's canceled flights following an attempted terrorist attack. Additionally, some Israelis living in Israel will be abroad on Election Day, though their number is believed to be lower than those arriving from overseas.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
