Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party threatened legal action Sunday against an initiative seeking to bring Israeli citizens back in order to vote in the October 27 national election.

Israel does not have absentee voting, with the exception of diplomats and emissaries posted around the world. But returning citizens can vote as long as they are in the country and registered.

The AID Coalition organization is running an initiative called “Fly and Vote” aiming to help coordinate travel for Israelis looking to return for the election.

On Sunday, the Likud party sent a letter threatening to appeal against the organization to the Central Elections Committee, accusing it of operating illegally and in contradiction to the laws surrounding party financing.

Studies have suggested that a majority of Israelis who have moved abroad tend to be more left-leaning politically, likely fueling Likud’s attempt to thwart the effort.

The organization asserted that it was non-partisan, “does not endorse any candidate or party,” and that it does not cover any travel costs.

Read more: Ballot battlefield takes shape as sides tussle over voters homebound and homeward bound

According to a May report in Haaretz, published before the election was formally called, the AID Coalition said it would help Israelis find flights, but that the passengers would pay the full fare themselves.

The report said that the organization was also considering plans for returning voters to land at alternative airports if Israeli airspace were to be closed due to war.

Last month, Haaretz........

© The Times of Israel