Opposition MK warns government against restricting entry of Israelis to country prior to elections

MK Efrat Rayten (The Democrats) issued a warning on Thursday that any Transportation Ministry restrictions hindering Israeli citizens' return to the country before elections would face a High Court of Justice challenge. This warning followed a Haaretz report alleging the ministry planned such restrictions to reduce votes against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Rayten stated, "The election process cannot be torpedoed, or citizens prevented from voting!" Her letter, also sent to the Civil Aviation Authority and Airports Authority, stressed that any attempts to frame these restrictions as operational would be subject to "strictest scrutiny." The warning also referenced concerns about potential flight cancellations at Ben-Gurion Airport due to delayed relocation of US Air Force refueling tankers.