Hotel Books Surge as 70,000 Expats Return to Cast Knesset Ballots

Tuesday's Knesset election faces a unique variable: a large influx of Israelis traveling from abroad to vote.

Estimates place the number of returning expatriates at approximately 70,000, a figure that could sway the race if the final margin between political blocs remains narrow.

The potential impact depends on the vote threshold for a single seat. In 2022, winning one Knesset seat required roughly 36,000 votes. With population growth and higher turnout projected for this cycle, analysts suggest the threshold may rise to between 38,000 and 39,000 votes.

Predicting where these 70,000 votes will land is difficult. While some estimates suggest a lean toward the change bloc, no reliable data exists on their specific preferences. Even if 60% of the returnees supported that bloc, the gain would equal at most one to one-and-a-half seats. The final tally will determine whether this demographic shifted the balance.

The influx is visible in the hospitality sector. Africa Israel Hotels reported a 23% increase in occupancy during election week compared to October of last year. Alex Eliyahu, the chain's marketing director, noted that more Israelis are pairing their civic duty with short vacations.

Fattal Hotels also reported higher bookings, particularly in central Israel. Maya Shalev, the vice president of marketing and sales, attributed the rise to the election. To accommodate the demand, the chain is offering discounts of up to 30%, plus an additional 10% for members of its Fattal and Friends club, from October 25 to 29.

Many travelers are combining the trip with family visits or vacations. Some stayed with relatives or in apartments they own, while others booked hotel rooms. At the October Council rally in Tel Aviv on Saturday night, attendees included Judy, a Miami resident of 50 years, who said she is voting against the Right. Ofer, from New York, stated his family flew in specifically to vote and will depart the day after the election. Nurit, from the South Sharon area, attended with her 18-year-old grandson from Canada, who is casting his first ballot. Zehava, also from New York, said she planned her visit in advance to vote for Likud.

Not all planned trips went smoothly. Flydubai canceled flights following an attempted terrorist attack, stranding some Israelis abroad. One young man noted that the cancellations drove up flight prices to the Far East. Conversely, some residents of Israel will be overseas on Election Day. Racheli, from Ramat Gan, booked a Vietnam vacation a year before the election date was known. She said missing her vote breaks her heart, calling it a shame that Israelis traveling abroad cannot cast ballots on Election Day.