Returnees Flood Israel Ahead of Vote

Approximately 70,000 Israelis currently residing overseas have returned to the country or plan to arrive by Tuesday. This surge in arrivals coincides with the Knesset election and has measurable economic effects on the domestic hospitality sector. For many voters, the trip combines a family visit with the act of casting a ballot.

Estimates place the number of returning citizens at 70,000, though exact figures are unavailable. In the 2022 election, a party needed about 36,000 votes to win a single seat. Analysts predict that threshold will rise to between 38,000 and 39,000 votes in this cycle due to population growth and higher turnout. If the election results are close, this influx of voters could alter the balance of power in the Knesset.

The political leanings of these returnees remain uncertain. Some estimates suggest a majority may support the change bloc. However, even if 60% of the 70,000 returnees vote for that side, the bloc would gain at most one to one and a half seats. Other voters, such as Zehava, a recent arrival from New York, stated she is voting for Likud. She planned her visit to family ahead of the election date.

Hotel companies are seeing a direct impact from these arrivals. Africa Israel Hotels reported a 23% increase in occupancy during election week compared to October of last year. Alex Eliyahu, the marketing director for the chain, said the company is offering promotions to capitalize on the trend. He noted that many guests are choosing to combine their civic duty with a short break from routine.

Fattal Hotels also reported higher room bookings, particularly in central Israel. Maya Shalev, vice president of marketing and sales for Fattal Hotels, attributed the increase to the election. The chain is offering discounts of up to 30% off rates, with an additional 10% discount for loyalty members between October 25 and 29. Shalev noted that the company is seeing bookings made from abroad for these specific dates, indicating a link to the voting process.

Many returnees attended the October Council rally at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on Saturday night. Judy, who has lived in the US for more than 50 years, traveled from Miami to vote. She is scheduled to return to the US in early November. She noted that while many Israelis in Miami and Los Angeles tend to vote for the Right, her political preference differs.

Nurit from the South Sharon area attended the rally with her son-in-law and 18-year-old grandson, who arrived from Canada for his first vote. Her daughter remained in Canada to care for a younger child. Ofer, who arrived from New York, said he and his partner are returning to the US the day after the election. They cited family visits as a primary reason for the trip.

Gidi, who arrived from Australia with his wife, is scheduled to fly out of Ben-Gurion Airport on Wednesday. He has been in Israel for three weeks to see family and friends. His wife will remain for two more weeks. Gidi must return to work, making his timeline tight around the election day.

Logistical issues have prevented some citizens from voting. Flydubai canceled flights following an attempted terrorist attack, which raised airfare prices for travelers in the Far East. Some Israelis living in Israel who are abroad for vacation also face difficulties. Racheli from Ramat Gan is in Vietnam and will miss her first vote in a while. She booked the trip nearly a year ago, before the October election date was known.

The election is scheduled for Tuesday. The 70,000 returnees will join domestic voters at polling stations across the country. Hotel occupancy rates and voter turnout data will be released following the close of polls. The final tally will determine if the influx of international voters shifted the seat distribution in the Knesset.