Likud petitions Supreme Court to halt overseas voter-flight program

On Wednesday, Likud submitted a petition to Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg, who heads the Central Elections Committee, demanding that the America-Israel Democracy Coalition’s “Fly & Vote” operation and the Israeli Camp nonprofit be prohibited. Likud contends the program, which arranges flights and logistical aid for Israelis living overseas to return for the upcoming election, amounts to election bribery and breaches the Political Parties Financing Law, asserting it is designed to erode public backing for Likud and is linked to the Democrats party.

Attorney Ilan Bombach’s filing lists benefits such as group purchasing power, early flight access, coordination services, accommodation and document assistance as prohibited incentives, even though travelers cover their own ticket costs. The coalition responded that the initiative provides only bureaucratic assistance, operates independently of any party, and is open to all citizens, including Likud supporters, with thousands already registered and a $75 commitment fee paid.

It warned that Likud’s move could restrict voting rights of Israelis abroad who have served in the October 7 war and pay taxes. The clash underscores growing tensions over overseas voter mobilization ahead of the election.