If Israel lets ex-pats vote, what's to stop enfranchising all Jews?

Good point, but where are all previous "ideas" of Lieberman? They went to the toilet, did they?

rather,WHEN)another holocaust raises its death- head in Europe & the Americas. Edith 58 & Swiss Dino 43/65 are such Jews who never felt pity, let alone protested,when Israelis were attacked by Arab-settler-racist-bombers who call them- selves(only since 1964)palestinians. They also didn't care when HRs of nearly 1 million Jews were abused in Arab states which persecuted & expelled them penniless most of whom came to Israel as refugees till they integrated into then poverty-stricken Israel.Shame on you & the Lord Haw Haws you so admire(whose'hearts' bleed for our enemy but not for their thousands of Israeli victims)like Holocaust-Diminisher Norman Finkelstein,infamous blood-libellist Pappe,rabbi Weiss shameless boot-licker of Arab terrorists & Holocaust-Denier Ahmadinejad even as he prepares the next jewish Holocaust,Avnery & mixedup anti- Zionist G. Levy - you should see & hear him screaming hate & bias on Israel's Leftists-Only national TV)

1) With all the militant expats getting the right to vote - what is next? Even more militant Diaspora Jews getting to votes too, probably through filling a web form; I can only fill my duty and try to cast my vote to counterbalance them by voting the democratic left. 2) By leaving Israel but choosing the mad racists to govern those who remain - it is "realy doing what is hateful to you onto others", i.e. going against Rabbi Hillel's summary of Judaism.

Israeli "opinion shaping" is so convoluted and sophisticated, a person can never be sure what they are getting from the press. Haaretz does seem to operate at a more ethical level than JPost, but still it requires an expert in deceptions to sort these columns by motive.

It's you who doesn't understand that my use of the term non-Israeli encompasses both the Jews who sit on the sidelines in the diaspora, and Israelis who have emigrated.

Gideon has got it right.

Ithink the palestinians working in israel should receive one hundred and ten thousand dollars us currency,each from the workers name list

...after all, before Israel's existence, everything for the Jewish people was smooooooth sailing....

What is wrong in letting expatriates vote - so long as they are citizesn ? Of course, the parallel with expulsion of Palestinians is there for all to see.

Wouldn't want to do that. Now, enfranchise all evangelical Christians...there's a thought.

I'm not saying that the (right-wing) political establishment in Israel is doing it intentional- ly (I simply have no firm proof for that), but the effect remains exactly the same.... And though I respect your personal view, I would politely disagree with your claim, that Israel is making life safer for the Jewish Diaspora abroad. On the contrary, there is currently no bigger danger to the future safety and wellbeing of the Jewish Diaspora than (right- wing) Israel and her policies towards the Palestinians. Again, talk to Jews in France, the UK or the Benelux states face to face privately, and they might tell you a thing or two....

"If Israel lets ex-pats vote, what's to stop enfranchising all Jews? " If Levy continues writing utterly anti-Israeli articles every week, what's to stop him from putting on a suicide vest and blowing himself up in a Netanya cafe?

"We, the palestinian arabs, are looking to the drama presented now in israel with great pleasure!! . Thank you Mr.Levy for all your distinguished efforts to explain for the whole world what is going in zionists minds. It is better for us to lay our weapons aside and watch this drama!!" I enjoy it when a zionist has to post a message posing as an arab. It just shows me how embarrassed you are in being exposed for everyone to see. As though all the Palestinians have weapons lmao. What a tool you are. Bathe in your embarrassment as your sham is being unveiled more and more everyday.

I didnt blame u for ur own conclusions i have never blamed anyone for expressing their opinions. But i m surprised that u a logical person can have such conclusion. its not only israeli rights dream its lefts dream too by the way. Most of the alia ideology is based on leftist zionism. i agree that the ones with zionist ideology wants and works for it. but thinking that rightist make people intentionally hate isr and cause hate jews to force them to migrate to isr is illogical. If this was the Israels wet dream they would have created a hate in US which has more jews than Europe even than israel. and European countries re safe for jews and israel has no conflict with em. In europe antisemitism is a shame. so jews who live majorly in Eu and US cant be forced in to israel by even being hostile to EU. Ur point is pointless i wanted u to see it as u re reasonable. Israel made the world a safer place for jews. my grandma who lived in preisrael era and many elders in turkey agrees.

Levi bases his opinion on only one thing: all the voters will vote right wing. He does not deal with the real issue involved-should these people have the right to vote in Israel or not regardless of political views? After all, there are left and right wing voters in Israel and all of them have the right to vote. The real issue is their connection with Israel. Do they pay taxes here or even file tax reports? Do they make NII payments? where is their center of life? These are the real issues. A student who goes to the U.S. to study for 4 years or so but still files tax reports and pays NII has the right to vote and should be allowed to. A person who goes to the U.S., claims he is no longer an Israeli resident and therefore is exempt from Israeli income tax or NII does not have the right to a say so in what goes on here. These are the issues Mr. Levi, not their political affiliation.

get kicked out of the country! Thats great! What a democracy.

Add Canada to that list. Canadians living abroad have been able to vote since at least the end of WW2.

Gideon Levi has lost it. To pick on Netanyahus relatives? In which military cemetary is Gideon Levis brother buried??

There are many Israelis like me living abroad because of family or professional obligations but who still remain committed in every way to Israel's well-being. I am supportive of the two state solution, reasonable borders and the creation of a contiguous Palestinian State. Why shouldn't I am other Israelis like me be prohibited from voting? After all as an American living in Israel I voted with absentee ballots for many years. I think your point is not well taken or well thought out.

Quite predictable. I among many have seen this coming for years...since the demographic data became well known....I think you have to do it.. but....it won't work for long...really, I just can't imagine a scenario that can have a jewish state in the Middle East in the next 25 years....??? What could possibly happen...what combination of events ? I suppose you will have to try the two state solution but I don't think that there will ever be two states living in peace....the Arabs have all the cards and all the time...the best you can hope for is a Palistian Mandela...move to the US where you can raise your families and live in peace and be welcome...this is madness..

Its very interesting that Levy feels that it is unjust for Israeli citizens to vote in absentee ballots...That is a inalienable right of any citizen of a state...the right to vote...furthermore he laments the "dropouts" who come here "once or twice a year" and "lecture us"...I am not sure what is worse, these "dropouts" or the likes of Levy lecturing the Israeli public from their high towers in Northern Tel Aviv about the "occupation" and "settlements"...Since all of Israel is considered "occupied" by "Palestinians" and this seems to be the position of Levy, I suggest Mr. Levy volunteer to move out of his house and go back to the European country that his ancestors came from...We certainly don't need his brand of nationalism.

Why does Haaretz allow this? Good question that I know will not receive any answer from the Editor Soon some will sue Gideon and the paper.wait and see

The following countries allow their citizens living abroad to vote. Switzerland,Japan, USA, England, half the countries in the EU. These laws were upheld by the respective constitutional courts usually based on the ruling that not allowing the vote would be a denial of rights of citizenship. Politics defers to fairness!

and only one thing which I understand his point is that it is easier and much less responsible to vote from Manhattan . I am not an Israeli citizen but my children , grandchildren made aliyah and I am next . This way I will , not only have the right but to feel my right to vote . But the miles between me and Levy will never change .

The US allows 'Americans Abroad' to vote in elections. The idea is that they are only 'tmporary' residents in other countries. So if the 'Israelis Abroad' intend on coming back home they should be able to vote. But if they have left permanently ... NOPE! As to citizens of other countries who may be Jewish ... why should THEY get a vote? Americans don't get to vote in Canadian elections ... and vice versa ... we can't even vote in FRENCH elections :-}

Go on, do share. "wow Gideon hates and hates and hates everybody who has israeli or jewish blood"rich

Go on, do share. "wow Gideon hates and hates and hates everybody who has israeli or jewish blood"rich

Allow Jews from all over the planet to vote with the hope it will prevent a demographic time bomb. The the Palestiniasn drop their two state demand and "ALL"Palestinians including the disapora--which includes all those refugees in Jordan and Lebanon etc. Wow will that plan backfire in a hurry. Only in Israel.

Sure I vote in the US elections while living in Canada, but I also continue to pay Federal and State taxes. You don't get to make the decisions for free.

Just because someone's politics don't jive with mine is no reason to deny them the right to vote. I may not like the consequences of this, but principle is more important than protecting the incumbency of two parties clinging to relevance. US overseas troops tend to vote Republican but you wouldn't ever hear a Democratic Senator try to take deny anyone the right to gain a few points, but then, that's the US. For all its flaws at least their leaders (right and left) aren't a pack of narcissistic jackals.

....though I'm not sure, whether I really deserve that much praise !! But of course I will take it with a (big) smile, as kind of a compensation for the Israeli/ Diaspora praise that I'm not (yet) getting...:) Keep on posting too !!! Kind regards.

....was a Mossad agent, but you can't really blame me for making my own conclusions from what I see happening on the ground. And there it is simply a fact, that many Israeli politicians from right-wing, orthodox and (to a lesser extent) centrist parties have made no secret of their belief that it would be wonderful, if all Jews could live in Israel. You know as well as I do, that this kind of thinking is everything but rare in Israel, all you have to do is to read Haaretz TB after an anti-Jewish event in Europe or elsewhere. And it is also a fact, that Israeli governements (not only the current one) have recklessly endangered the safety and wellbeing of the Jewish Diaspora through their policies over the past decade(s). The Jewish community in France and the UK got more than a little foretaste of things to come during Intifada II and operation Cast lead. So you can't really blame me for counting 1 + 1, can you...???

I don't see why an Israeli who lives abroad can't vote. No matter where he or she lives they always keep Israeli citinzenship and the children born abroad even if one parent is Israeli is automatcally given Israel citizenship whether that citizenship is wanted or not. Therefore, if an Israeli has an obligation to Israel from birth, he should have a right to vote. Here in Canada we have people from all over the world and many vote in their contries elections erelevent of their political outlook. One example is Italians who are born in Canada and don,t have to have Italian citizenship, the majority take it by choice and do vote in Italian elections.

If your jewish then you should be allowed to vote makes Gideon Levy look like a fool. Yes jews have the right to emigrate to Israel but until they choose to commit themselves to that making that move then they are not Israeli citizens and if they are not Israeli citizens they have no right to vote anyway jewish or not. Why should Israeli citizens abroad not be allowed a say in the future of THEIR country. They might be abroad but its still their country which they can return to at anytime and so should be allowed a voice even if they are not currently in Israel. Other western democracies such as the US, many EU states & others so why should Israeli citizens be exempt from that right to have a say in the countries future. Absentee voting applies to all citizens no matter race or political views. Has Gideon Levy become a child loosing a temper tantrum so starts grasping at straws to try and justify his argument because it sure seems that way.

It is past peculiar that Israel wants to allow people who have no genuine connection to israel except an emotional one and who reside in places like Los Angeles and new York, to be able to vote in Israeli elections. This is politics at its worst; anything to keep the right wing government in power.

an israeli who didn't visit israel in the immediately preceding 10 years, can renew his passport for only one year; that is until he visits israel again. no matter the reason, he was sick, he was in coma, he was broke, he was busy, he had no reason to go! ... doesn't matter if he visits israel, then he can have again a 5 years, or 10 years (?) passport. so now, such israeli on "probation" can vote? doesn't make much sense now, does it?

All jews will never vote for the simple reason that Israel cannot agree on what defines being jewish. Case closed.

I am surprised that I agree with Gideon Levy - probably for the first time since I read the Tribune for the first time. I think there are a lot more leftists outside Israel than in. If they vote, we will have a state with the original 1937 lines, if at all. Will MK's need to come from Israel or will they be able to fly in on Sunday and out on Friday?

Dear Swiss, I would like to express my deep respect for you, for your sense of justice, and your courage to keep struggling against all odds, for a better quality of thinking among the Jews. I consider myself lucky to have met people like you over the internet. You give me, and many other people courage. What you write is right, it takes a lot of effort not to lose patience with people, who on a daily basis violate the rights of the Palestinians. Focussing on people like you, like Avnery, Finkelstein, Pappé, rabbi Weiss, Gideon Levi, and many others, helps to keep focussed.

Gideon, hell has frozen over...I actually agree with you on this one !! ... maybe the law shouls state that if one lives outside of Israel for more than 5 years (a yored) he or she can vote only if the pay Israeli taxes ... that would stop 98 percent of Yordim from voting from abroad .

What is the motive of this to happen right now? and not a year ago for example or whenever?

Tomorrow, maybe all the Jews in the world will do so [vote] Excelent Christian Evangelists - those friends of Israel - vote Great Great Question Gideon:What about the ex-Israelis' children? Will they be able to vote, You are a great patriot,God is going to bless you,for your great visions of Small Israel

Generally i dont agree with you because my beliefs and political views re different. generally i disagree but there is always a point in ur post that makes me say maybe u re right too cuz its logical and there is not only 1 truth! but i never thought that u could be this illogical. please tell me that actually u did not believe israel intentionally try to make world hate it so all jews have to come to israel and u just wrote it to blindly support Gideon! u re one of the rare sane anti-Israel poster in here please tell me that we didnt lost u in insane conspiracy theories like the rest of the left in all the world! u can show economical reasons social reasons even 'israeli leaders love for killing children' or even u can say i dont like Israel to logically criticize Israel. but your post is like saying hitler was a mossad agent who killed jews to make world pity jews and give them a homeland. there re people actually believing this. i hope ure not one of them

You have the right to influence the policies and decisions which are made by the state that claims to represent all Jews?

Besides the fact that its almost impossible to determine who is an Expat & who isnt, since almost all have dual citizenship and live at least part of their lives in Israel, There is another problem. Although not relying on any scientific data, just being an ovserver, a lot of Israeli Expats left Israel because they were sick of going to the army and the prospects of having their kids go to the army. Therefore I would hardly say they are Right Wing or they want Israel to go to war. Most have been educated in some of the most elite Liberal schools and have left leaning tenedencies. Tkae Rom Emmnuel for example :)

Sometimes I think our old friend Ben Gurion-Tosefta was right. Do you argue just for the sake of scoring points? If you change the electorate significantly, who is elected is likely to change. New people and new parties elected to the Knesset can change laws. They can change how and what is defined. Ariel Sharon understood that. It is a reason he didn't favor expanding the electorate to include a lot of Palestinians. If you expand the electorate to include 6 million American Jews, it is likely to change the outcome of elections. Not all of them have the same views as you do. And the last time the laws were set in stone, the tablets got lost. People make laws and people can change laws.

We, the palestinian arabs, are looking to the drama presented now in israel with great pleasure!! . Thank you Mr.Levy for all your distinguished efforts to explain for the whole world what is going in zionists minds. It is better for us to lay our weapons aside and watch this drama!!

Those in favour of expats voting - the Right-Wing - have a narrow, political agenda, to garner more votes for their parties. But there should be only one single principle in the case of voting in Israeli elections. Voting here has the potential to determine war or peace. Therefore, ONLY those who live here, and would have to face the consequences of a war, have any right to vote here. We do NOT need 'armchair Zionists' living abroad to help determine if we or our sons will have to die in a war that might otherwise have been avoided.

the issue is one of vote by israelis living abroad. among these israelis would be those who are not considered jewish under halakha.

You want both states dont you?

non-israelis cannot possibly vote in an israeli election. so the one who does not understand is you. the issue is about israelis living abroad having the right to vote in israeli elections.

know that non resident Italians can vote in general elections,it is part of the democratic rights of any democratic country,or are you just being bloody minded. What's to stop enfranchising all jews? Such an option does not exist in any country Non citizen and non resident,makes no sense. What would they gain?

Aren't Jew's values the values of the Book ? Maybe some of the Jews forgot which book this meant to be ? Only THE BOOK contains THE DECREE all Jews and anyone who fears God should keep in mind. Who has found THE DECREE ? Book of Daniel 4:14.

....to the statements coming from (mostly right-wing and orthodox) Israeli politicians over the past couple of years/decades. They are pretty openly admitting, that they would love to see ALL Jews from planet earth coming to Israel, and I have absolutely no doubt, that they believe what they say. One doesn't really have to be a genius, in order to see the obvious connection to the expansive policies of Israel in the West Bank over the past 3 decades..... ....and judging from Israels recent conduct, one could almost get the feeling, that the (not so secret) objective is to make life unbearable for the Jewish Diaspora abroad, so they will have no other choice one day (for security reasons) but to come back to live in the Jewish homeland. So the whole topic of this article may soon become pretty irrelevant anyway....

Lol, and so far most appear to be the non-Israeli cheerleaders you describe in your article. My-Oh-My! Do we wonder why?

I do wonder what all the influx of Reform and Conservative Jews thinking might have on simple things like: *What is an acceptable conversion? or *Why isn't a Jewish father Jewish enough to produce Jewish offspring?

I'll take the votes of a "thousand Jews" who love Israel, appreciate our roots in the land and want a Jewish State with Jewish values from New York or Melbourne and who come home when they are able ....even on a visit, above some disgruntled, hack of an Israeli newspaper correspondent who has forgotten his own Jewish roots, who is constantly advocating a multicultural democratic society in Israel and is always looking to stymie anything of true Jewish value in this country. This is a Jewish State for Jewish People and maybe all Jews who want to be involved should also have a say. But i think rights to vote must be coupled with some type of obligations also.

Naturally the charideem from abroad will flood in take out an Israeli citizenship (not as if they have to do military service) take advantage of our social security vote for His Royal holliness Ovadia Yosef and his bunch of corrupt hench men and then go back to the US , leaving us to live with the outcome of the so called "democratic" election.

...his concerns are understandable. my opinion in general: people living on that soil (with main residence) for a minimum of xy month, should be eligible to vote. regardless their nationality. i also thought, i still could vote for the country i hold a passport of, after leaving it, but have never got the invitation-card to do so. means, no chance to take part in elections. however, we never liked each other, so maybe im an exception - as usual, and they skipped me deliberately...i dont mind...

Its a one time phenomenon - disagreeing with Gideon Levy. Firstly so many other 'democracies', 'civilised societies' have ex-pat voting - the USA, the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Denmark, Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Secondly it is a nonsense to presume the voting patterns of all Israelis abroad. Thirdly it should have been a right conferred on all Israelis who choose to reside abroad, but such a long time was spent denying that there were substantial numbers of Israelis who made that choice, and treating them as if they were traitors - so fragile was and is Israelis' sense of themselves and the strength of their self- belief as a nation. This would be one small step to national maturity - regardless of the ulterior motives of the man promoting it, or his family members who would exercise that right to vote.

some of us who left, disgusted by the policies of successive Israeli governments would vote for the left, if there is any left left....

and said, "SCREW THIS!; i'm gonna go back home!" and we read elsewhere that it stems from a political promise made by bibi to lieberman, who wants to tap the votes of those of his support base who ran back to mother russia. talk about "representation"! yes alot of countries do something similar, but i doubt very much for people who immigrated, changed their minds, and then emigrated back to their native country(or elsewhere). i'll also venture that people "born" in israel who are abroad, already retain their right to vote. but this is about giving a vote to those who came to israel, didn't like what it had to offer and left.

As the laws states that all citizens must pay Social Security regardless of whether they live in Israel or abroad, than expats should not be stripped of voting rights based on their country of residence. Israelis are Israelis period, and I find it hypocritical that some want to keep Israelis from voting when abroad. This is a common practice throughout numerous democracies. It seems that the left, which includes members in Kadima, is really desperate to stay relevant, it being very clear that moderates abroad tend to lean center right in the Israeli political arena. It would be disastrious for the Israeli left if Israel were to extend the right to vote to all Israelis.

first, many countries allow citizens living abroad to vote. second, an argument can be made that given israel's security problems that she should not be like other countries. third, if foreigners, including foreign governments, can fund israeli ngo's, then the argument against expatriots voting becomes less tenable. forth, the issue of expatriots voting should not be determined on the basis of possible political outcome. last: levy's best and only argument is the one based on zionism. people who leave israel voluntarily and especially those who take on foreign nationality are not willing to make the sacrifice for israel.

and said, "SCREW THIS!; i'm gonna go back home!" and we read elsewhere that it stems from a political promise made by bibi to lieberman, who wants to tap the votes of those of his support base who ran back to mother russia. talk about "representation"! yes alot of countries do something similar, but i doubt very much for people who immigrated, changed their minds, and then emigrated back to their native country(or elsewhere). i'll also venture that people "born" in israel who are abroad, already retain their right to vote. but this is about giving a vote to those who came to israel, didn't like what it had to offer and left.

Having seen the talkbacks from ex-pats during Cast Lead, I have to agree with Gideon Levi (well, there's a first time for everything). The strident militancy of the Yossis, Avis, etc. from abroad were demanding that Gaza be turned into a parking lot. How much does one understand about politics and society after they've been gone for 10, 15 or 20 years? How in touch with Israeli reality are they? Most of them are no less hard-line than non-Arab Palestinian supporters. Change the electoral system and we can talk about it--as is, this is just a transparent attempt to increase the strength of a hard-line, right-wing government. After this comes about, the door is open to renew the demands that every Jew in the world should be able to vote in Israeli elections--even if they've never set foot in the country.

around them. What he claims is absolutely untrue. Most ex pats want peace, they dislike the settlements as much as they dislike the settlers. They are not right wingers as he claims. Levy should start writing fiction books since he does so well at it.

Many democracies have their ex-pats voting. The remarks of Gideon Levy are this time totaly unapropriate. If "yordim" are not popular, they still have relatives in Israel and keep strong feelings for the "moledet". They are ready to contribute in many ways, including voting. Maybe this will also motivate them feel more involved and make the way back some day. Their citizenship is what differentiates them from non-citizens, Jewish or Christians, and should grant them the right of participating in elections. Voting involves more responsability than just supporting a side of the political map.

You like it or not, Israel is a Jewish state!

Most Israelis living abroad will not vote anyway.

Instead of spouting, perhaps Levy should read the bill. Israelis abroad will have to have held a valid Israeli passport for TEN years if they wish to vote, so unless sherman and peabody invent the wayback machine, it won't make much of a difference. Besides, isn't it elitist that only those Israelis living abroad with sufficient wealth to return for elections are allowed to vote from abroad? Should Israelis in Crete be so advantaged over those in Argentina?

Lol, and so far they're all the non-Israeli cheerleaders that you describe in your article. My-Oh-My! Do we wonder why?

First of all, Gideon, there are 50 million Evnagelicals in America, not one million, but they are not ex patriots. There are also Israeli Arab citizens ex patriots in America and in Europe. . Benjamin Nethanyu has relatives in the USA. What's your problem with that? So do I. and mine would all vote MERETZ. However, if the Right makes military or national service a precondition then the Haradim and Arab voters will be disaualified, but so will many of the super right nationalist loonies who were psychiatrically exempt from military service. Not everuy expatriot is an aging Hilltop Youth,Gideon, and it might even open up a meaningful dialogue between right and left. Arab Israeli Expatriots should definitely be included, if military service is not required. Arab and Haradi citizens in this country should start opting for National Service as a viable alternative to military service. There are many hospitals and social service organizations in the Haredi and Arab sectors which need help.

""I believe... the Haredim and the Arabs should not have the ability to vote"". And you want the Arabs to be/become responsible citizens,but without the right to vote where their life is? When Mandela was doing his jail time, did the black South Africans have the ability to vote ? And in the US of A, when did the blacks got that ability ? In France, women got that ability in 1964, (only) but then they were women, hé!...

As an expat I am allowed to vote in UK election. There is nothing wrong with that. This reaction is hystericism. How do you know that expat Israelis will vote Likud? I am sure there are many who will vote Meretz if they are not too apathetic to vote.

I am a citizen of both Israel and Australia. I was born in Australia but divide my life between both countries and I do vote in both countries. However I agree with Gideon Levy absolutely. Israel has an open policy which allows anyone claiming Jewish descent or converting to Orthodox Judaism to become an Israeli citizen. No other country has such an open immigration policy (albeit one which discriminates so blatantly). This means that anyone can qualify to vote simply by pretending to make aliyah then returning to their country of origin.

The vast majority of Israeli news columns are full of signs that the (pro-Israel) writer is not really able to look at Israel with open eyes. This person Levi, or at least this article, reflects a very rare balance of facing facts directly ( even with cynicism about them). Israelis generally need to start with facts, as Levi does here, then build around them, instead of starting with opinion and building facts around those opinions.

Why not rejoice: are most if not all American Israeli not J-Streeters? And is it not time that Israel behave like most civililzed countries and let its expat vote?

So if a Jew moves around, he is a traitor to his country, superior ethic etc. An expat. A dropout! While quite a few natives around claim that C. Columbus was Jewish. But wait! He only has a one way ticket... So Anayer dropout! Ah... had the Jews ancestors had the boat building knowledge instead of the Phoenicians (expats), Israel would have conquered Australia, NZ etc for the effort of planting a flag in the sand and no "Muslim Dilemma". But then, the Rabbis would have had to "let our boys go..." and they would have lost their "Bood Cut Tax" on our chicken meat and our daughters marrying them white bearded wise Ones. No way! Freedom has value, nationalism whether In Israel or Iran, is still nationalism, and what is the value of any political commitment if it is not originating in free choice ?

Wow. As we all know, Gideon Levy only write anti-israel hate articles, designed to make the readers hate Israel more than they did before they started reading. But today? He's mad that dual citizens can vote? Dual citizens of just about every country on earth can vote. Anti-semites usually insult Israel over things they wouldn't insult other countries for, and that's exactly what Gideon Levy is doing. And he's also LYING when he says that the currnet Israeli government "declares war on anyone who questions its whims." Why does Haaretz allow this? Honestly, the IDF or Israeli government should sue this paper if Levy is going to make outright false statements like that.

Wow. As we all know, Gideon Levy only write anti-israel hate articles, designed to make the readers hate Israel more than they did before they started reading. But today? He's mad that dual citizens can vote? Dual citizens of just about every country on earth can vote. Anti-semites usually insult Israel over things they wouldn't insult other countries for, and that's exactly what Gideon Levy is doing. And he's also LYING when he says that the currnet Israeli government "declares war on anyone who questions its whims." Why does Haaretz allow this? Honestly, the IDF or Israeli government should sue this paper if Levy is going to make outright false statements like that.

Now I surely know who to vote for. Let me know who you want Gideon and I will vote for the other guy.

I'd venture to guess that Levy is part of the crowd accusing the political right of demonizing the NIF. Yet examine the bile puked up in this article. What self righteous hypocrisy. It's time the readers of this newspaper speak out against it, and begin to engage in a serious dialog about how to best defend Israel against the international campaign against it, rather than vilifying patriots desiring to take part in the political process.

Despite the fact that I would be eligible to vote should such a bill pass, it is not right that citizens of Israel lives be decided but ex-patriots from abroad. We are effected by what's happening in the Middle East with Israel's situation but we shouldn't be part of the voting public. Unless one really lives daily in Israel, and not as a tourist or annual visitor, one doesn't really know the difficulties the citizens have endured or are currently enduring. Besides, there perhaps would be more unrealistic aggressive policies supporters outweighing the peace seekers for the region. This bill should not even be proposed to Knesset.

Brilliant! (Gideon Levy as usual)

I couldn't agree more with you!!

I guess it depends upon your own 'circle of friends'--the Israeli expats I know want peace, decry increased settlements and national belligerence, and would likely vote a more liberal government. Mr. Levy lacks faith in fellow Jews, and seems only to see those unlike himself...which may be because he objectifies diaspora and expat Jews as 'others' and can't see those who think in line with his views. Irrespective of his view or mine (of expat Jews), we need to remember that an electorate gets the 'leaders' it deserves...and individuals have little control over that.

"They come here once a year or two, stay at the Hilton and lecture us from the lobby to strike harder, to kill more, to deepen the occupation, to strengthen the settlements". Gideon Levy I am against settlements, I am against the occupation, I think we should give East Jerusalem to the Palestinians and I am certainly against your unsubstantiated self serving weekly rhetoric. You invent stories and present them as fact. You are a disgrace even to editorial journalism.

that do the same. Throwing in everything but the kitchen sink as an argument sounds like desperation to fill out an article. You forgot to include smoke signal voting Gideon.

"Is it better to be force-fed Levy's soft-minded anti-Israelism"?

The Israeli Americans living "abroad" still have obligations to the State of Israel (their children and themselves both can be drafted if they are between the ages of 18-26 and visit Israel).If their children get drafted for Israel...Why cant they vote to change policy??? Gideon you would undoubtedly agree with letting Israelis abroad vote...if they were leftists. Unfortunately (or fortunately) our environment in non-Jewish states don't let us forget our identity as Jews and our only homeland of Israel... I believe any citizen of Israel should not be able to vote until he has done his national service, be it military or civil. The Haredim as well as the Arabs should not have the ability to vote.- As well as the American or European Jews who have no intention of contributing to the Jewish State.

Big winners? Racists, settlers and rightwing pols. (Excuse the redundancy). Big losers? The Israeli left (what remains) and Gazan babies. It's a hideous idea.

Let the real ex-pats vote: Palestinians.

everybody who has israeli or jewish blood