Voters Told to Print Emergency Numbers to Counter Potential Airport Detentions

A protest-linked group is advising Israelis flying home to vote to print out specific emergency phone numbers and keep them in their passports. The Detainee Support Network, known as Ma’arach Otef Atzurim, circulated the guidance in WhatsApp groups this week. The instruction aims to ensure voters can reach legal help if authorities seize their devices.

The network told travelers to save the numbers for a special emergency hotline. The message specifically warned that police might arrest or detain individuals upon landing at Ben-Gurion Airport. It also covered potential detentions at polling stations on Election Day or in the days following the vote.

A representative for the network explained the rationale behind the caution. She stated that police might act because they have the legal ability to do so. "Because they can," she said, noting that while this has not happened in previous elections, the group wants to be prepared. She suggested that authorities might target voters for past social media posts or simply for returning to the country.

The concern centers on travelers voting for opposition parties. The representative acknowledged that officials might view the influx of returning voters with suspicion. "They are not happy with all the people coming back to the country," she said. She added that authorities could detain individuals and transport them to police stations based on these grounds.

Despite the warning, the network emphasized that the situation remains calm. "Everything has gone smoothly in recent days," the representative said. She expressed confidence that police would conduct themselves properly during the upcoming vote. The group described its advice as standard preparation for any possible scenario.