(KRON) -- Around 300 Israeli nationals boarded planes at San Francisco International Airport, making the trip to their home country to vote in what they call a "critical" election.
Israeli law generally requires citizens to vote in person, with narrow exceptions for diplomats and certain official emissaries.
The election will take place on Tuesday, October 27.
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Photo: Unxeptable - Saving Israeli Democracy
Photo: Unxeptable - Saving Israeli Democracy
Photo: Unxeptable - Saving Israeli Democracy
Israel's current prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is running for the same position that he has held for a total of 19 years.
Netanyahu has been criticized for his handling of the conflict in Gaza, with more than 74,000 Palestinians killed since it began in October of 2023.
Supporters of Netanyahu argue he’s a fierce protector of Israelis' identity.
This is the country's first election since the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023.
The Bay Area locals are expected to touch down in Tel Aviv Monday morning.
