Israeli election draws tens of thousands of citizens flying back to vote

An El Al Boeing 737-958(ER) takes off from Barcelona-El Prat Airport in Barcelona, Spain, on Aug. 27, 2025. Joan Valls | Nurphoto | Getty ImagesAn extremely tight race into Israel's election Tuesday, has some citizens flying back into the country to cast their votes.Israel doesn't allow votes from abroad, except from those serving in the country's diplomatic missions. As many as 80,000 Israelis living outside the country are expected to come back to vote in Tuesday's election, according to estimates from one group helping to organize citizens living outside the country. Israel has about 7.3 million eligible voters, according to the Washington-based International Foundation for Electoral Systems."While not a large block, the 80,000 that may return home to participate could make a big difference in the final count of a very tight election," said Yael Shomer, a professor of political science at Tel Aviv University.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference, amid the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, in Jerusalem, March 19, 2026. Ronen Zvulun | ReutersIn Israel's first election since 2022, Benjamin Netanyahu of the Likud party, who has served as Prime Mini...