Israeli expats pay high costs to fly home and vote in pivotal election

Tens of thousands of Israeli expats are flying home to vote in the October 27 elections, as Israeli law requires in-person voting, with many viewing the race as a critical moment to determine the country's direction. Expats from the Netherlands and the US are paying high costs for flights and rentals, with some US-based organizations even facilitating travel, to the government's annoyance. Voters like Barak Oserovitz fear Prime Minister Netanyahu's continued rule threatens democracy, while challenger Gadi Eisenkot promises an independent October 7 inquiry and universal conscription. Netanyahu's campaign warns that electing Eisenkot would lead to a Palestinian state, though both candidates show little difference on Hamas policy. Arab Israeli voters, about 20 percent of the electorate, are largely excluded from coalition talks, and high expected turnout may dilute the impact of expat votes.