Protest group urges voters to print hotline

Israelis returning from abroad to vote received a warning from a protest-aligned group that police might detain them upon arrival. The Detainee Support Network, known as Ma’arach Otef Atzurim, circulated instructions to help travelers prepare for potential arrests at Ben-Gurion Airport.

The network shared a message in WhatsApp groups telling citizens to print out emergency phone numbers and keep them in their passports. The group advised travelers to save the numbers in case border police or Israel Police confiscate their mobile devices during a stop.

A network representative explained that police might act against voters because they have the legal authority to do so. She noted that while such arrests have not occurred in previous elections, the group wanted to be prepared. The representative suggested that authorities might target individuals based on social media posts or their intent to vote for opposition parties.

The group acknowledged that conditions have remained calm in recent days. The representative stated that everything has gone smoothly so far and that she assumed the situation would continue to do so. She emphasized that the advice was intended as advance preparation for any possible scenario rather than a prediction of trouble.

The network instructed citizens to contact the hotline immediately if detained or arrested at the airport, at polling stations, or even after the election concludes. The message specified that the hotline covers individuals stopped by border police or Israel Police during the voting period.

The group maintained that the police will likely perform their duties properly. The representative confirmed that the network had prepared for every scenario, asserting that everything is fine while urging voters to remain vigilant.