Voters Told to Print Hotline Numbers in Passports for Airport Arrival

The Detainee Support Network issued a direct instruction on October 27 for Israelis arriving from abroad to vote: print emergency phone numbers and store them inside their passports. The group, linked to the national protest movement, distributed the guidance through WhatsApp channels to prepare for potential police action upon landing.

The advice stems from a fear that authorities may detain voters specifically because of their intent to participate in the election. A representative for the network told The Jerusalem Post that police could arrest citizens 'because they can.' She noted that while such incidents have not occurred in previous elections, the group is acting as a precaution.

The representative suggested that officers might use social media posts as a basis for detention. She explained that travelers could be taken to a police station on minor pretexts if officials are unhappy with the influx of returning citizens. The core concern is that voters supporting opposition parties face a higher risk of scrutiny.

The group’s message explicitly tells readers to save the numbers of the special emergency hotline. It instructs travelers to keep the printed list in their passports in case officers confiscate their mobile devices. The notice covers detentions at Ben-Gurion Airport, at polling stations on Election Day, or in the period following the vote.

Despite the warning, the network acknowledges that operations have been smooth so far. The representative stated, 'Everything has gone smoothly in recent days, and I assume it will continue to go smoothly.' She added that the organization has prepared for every scenario and trusts that police will perform their duties properly.