Story perspectives

Likud Mulls Flight Limits as Poll Shows Opposition Lead

7/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

Senior Likud officials discuss limiting flights into Ben Gurion Airport before the October 27 election to hinder opposition voters.
A Maariv poll projects the opposition coalition at 62 seats, Netanyahu’s bloc at 48 seats, and Likud and Yashar at 22 seats.
Maariv poll found 83% of voters oppose ultra-Orthodox parties and 70% favor an Arab party.
The Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee voted to end polling booths in assisted-living facilities.

History

Historical Context

In May 1996 Israel held its first separate prime-minister ballot; security-driven campaigning helped Benjamin Netanyahu narrowly defeat Shimon Peres by just 29,457 votes, even though Labor won more Knesset seats. Netanyahu then formed a coalition with religious parties, a pattern that later resurfaced as Likud officials now propose limiting airport flights and removing polling booths, raising democratic-norm concerns.

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Story summary

Senior Likud officials discuss limiting flights into Ben Gurion Airport before the October 27 election to hinder opposition voters.
A Maariv poll projects the opposition coalition at 62 seats, Netanyahu’s bloc at 48 seats, and Likud and Yashar at 22 seats.
Maariv poll found 83% of voters oppose ultra-Orthodox parties and 70% favor an Arab party.
The Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee voted to end polling booths in assisted-living facilities.

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