Thousands of Israeli expats, including Australians, fly home to vote in election
Thousands of Israeli expatriates are traveling back to Israel to participate in a high-stakes general election. The vote is widely viewed as a referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership following the October 7 attacks.
Why it matters
High voter turnout from the diaspora highlights the intense political polarization and the critical nature of the current Israeli election cycle.
Polling suggests Benjamin Netanyahu may face a challenge to his leadership. ( Reuters: Nir Elias )
Political activists have mobilised to bring thousands of overseas Israeli citizens to the country to vote.
As many as 67,000 voters are returning to Israel, according to one non-profit organisation, with some estimating up to 1,000 could be coming from Australia.
Some travelling from Australia said they felt Israel's PM Benjamin Netanyahu had contributed to "division amongst the people".
Link copied Share Share article Tens of thousands of Israeli citizens abroad, including estimates of hundreds from Australia, are travelling to Israel to vote in the country's most consequential election in decades.
Polling indicates Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could face a stiff challenge to hold onto power in a vote largely seen as a referendum on his leadership and handling of Hamas's October 7 attacks.
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