Tens of thousands of Israelis abroad have flown home to vote

Tens of thousands of Israelis living abroad have flown home to vote in Israel's election on Tuesday, October 27, CBS News reports. CBS says many voters see the election as a referendum on Benjamin Netanyahu. It reports that some expats spent thousands to make the trip.

Israelis cannot vote from abroad, so they must travel to cast a ballot, France 24 reports. Earlier reports had described the flights as expected. CBS now says the voters have arrived.

The figure of tens of thousands comes from AID Coalition, according to PBS NewsHour. PBS describes the group as a nonprofit based in the U.S. that works to strengthen Israeli democracy.

France 24 reports that supporters of opposition figure Gadi Eisenkot waited at arrivals at Tel Aviv airport. It says a "Fly and Vote" initiative helps expats organise their trips. A petition from Netanyahu's Likud party to restrict the initiative failed, according to France 24.

CNBC and France 24 both describe the race as tight. France 24 says polls point to a close result and that the outcome will decide the Prime Minister's fate.