Officials from the Transportation Ministry, led by Minister Miri Regev, are “unofficially” discussing limiting flights to prevent Israelis from reaching the country in time to vote, a source with knowledge of the matter told Haaretz on Wednesday.
Israelis are required to vote in person in Israel with very few exceptions, such as military service or diplomats on international postings.
Several organizations, including AID Coalition's Fly & Vote initiative, aim to add flights in the days preceding the Knesset elections, planned for October 27, in order to allow as many Israeli citizens to vote as possible.
Transportation Ministry officials have expressed worry that many of the incoming voters would support opposition parties, according to Haaretz.
Transportation Minister Miri Regev is a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud Party.
The Jerusalem Post reached out to the Transportation Ministry for comment.
US military refuelers remain at Ben-Gurion Airport, putting thousands of flight tickets at risk
Meanwhile, up to 50,000 flight tickets may be canceled during July following an American decision to freeze the evacuation of its refuelers stationed at Ben-Gurion Airport, the Israel Airports Authority (IAA) warned on Thursday.
IAA director-general Sharon Kedmi released a letter expressing concern over the decision. "This delay has immediate and serious operational consequences," he stated.
Transportation Ministry Director-General Moshe Ben Zaken also said additional US refueling aircraft would not be permitted to land at the airport. Israeli air traffic control had reportedly been instructed not to approve any further US refuelers for landing in Israel.
"Citizens cannot be harmed; the Defense Ministry must find solutions," Ben Zaken said.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed to the Post that despite concerns, the freeze is in place.
Danya Saperstein contributed to this report.