Israel’s army to set up polling stations in occupied Gaza, Lebanon and Syria
GCC News
The Israeli military has begun preparing to install polling stations in occupied areas of the Gaza Strip, Lebanon and Syria ahead of the general election on 27 October, Army Radio reported on Wednesday.
According to the report, Israeli army chief Eyal Zamir has instructed military officials to facilitate voting for soldiers deployed beyond Israel’s internationally recognised borders.
The military will “deploy polling stations deep in enemy territory – within Lebanon, Syria and Gaza – to enable the right to vote for combat troops stationed beyond the borders”, Army Radio said.
Regional Impact
The broadcaster described the move as “something that hasn’t happened in decades”, overlooking the fact that Israeli soldiers have long voted at military bases in the occupied West Bank.
Last week, Israel’s Central Elections Committee approved a series of regulations for the election, including measures that would allow soldiers to cast ballots from military positions in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria.
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Israeli news site Ynet reported that because soldiers are prohibited from carrying identity cards into Gaza, Lebanon and Syria, those voting at military polling stations will instead be identified using their service number and by another soldier.
The number of Israelis voting outside their local polling stations has risen in recent years, with soldiers and other security personnel making up the largest group eligible to vote at special polling stations.
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