Karhi Says Overseas Israelis Should Not Return Solely to Vote

Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi said Wednesday that Israelis living abroad should not return to Israel solely to vote against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the October 27 election. Asked in a radio interview why Israel does not allow broader overseas voting, Karhi said people who live in the country should shape its future and invited Jews abroad to make aliyah. Israeli law generally requires citizens to vote in person inside Israel. The remarks came as some Israelis overseas posted flight bookings for election day and amid debate over efforts to help them return.