Since the Russian-Ukrainian war began, over 120,000 people have migrated to Israel, with more than 102,000 of them being over 18 years old. This new group of voters will participate in the Israeli elections on October 27, potentially having a significant impact on the outcome. According to the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, this new voting bloc could be equivalent to nearly three seats in the Knesset.
In previous Israeli elections, many of these migrants did not have Israeli citizenship and therefore could not vote. However, they now have the right to participate in the elections, which could affect the balance of power in the Knesset. The elections on October 27 will be the first nationwide elections in Israel after four years of turmoil, including massive protests against judicial reform and a war on multiple fronts.
According to recent polls, neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition nor the opposition has a clear majority of 61 seats required to form a government. Netanyahu's Likud party is concerned that the influx of new voters from Russia and Ukraine could support opposition parties if the elections are close. The Likud party has petitioned the Central Elections Committee to prevent an initiative called "Travel and Vote," which helps Israelis abroad return to vote.
The "Travel and Vote" initiative, launched by the non-profit organization America-Israel Democracy, uses technology to find affordable flights and provides logistical services, including passport renewal. Over 35,000 Israelis have registered for the initiative, with internal polls suggesting that over 50,000 intend to return to vote. The initiative has sparked controversy, with Netanyahu's Likud party accusing it of being an illegal, foreign-funded operation.
The Israeli opposition has raised concerns about the Likud party's control over the Transportation Ministry and Airports Authority, potentially limiting air travel on election day. The Israeli Civil Rights Association has called on the Central Elections Committee to ensure that the airspace remains open and flights continue uninterrupted. The outcome of the elections could be determined by a small margin, making the votes of Israeli expatriates crucial.
The October 27 elections will be a significant test for Netanyahu's leadership, with his popularity waning amid criticism of his handling of the Ukrainian crisis and domestic issues. The participation of over 102,000 new voters from Russia and Ukraine could be a game-changer in the elections, potentially affecting Netanyahu's chances of re-election.
Key points
- Over 102,000 migrants from Russia and Ukraine will participate in the Israeli elections on October 27.
- The new voting bloc could be equivalent to nearly three seats in the Knesset.
- The outcome of the elections could be determined by a small margin, making the votes of Israeli expatriates crucial.
