Netanyahu claims election fraud as opposition gains ground

Arab-majority parties achieved record turnout in Tuesday’s election, securing 19 Knesset seats – a key factor in Netanyahu’s diminished standing.

The opposition bloc now holds 48 seats, requiring potential support from Arab parties to form a coalition government, although many Jewish-led parties had previously vowed against relying on such support.

Leaders of the two largest Arab parties have expressed willingness to assist the opposition in ousting Netanyahu.

The Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security agency, has initiated an investigation into potential foreign influence in the election, though the scope remains unclear. Acting Director-General of the Central Elections Committee, Din Livne, stated there is “no basis to the claims regarding a systematic compromise of the integrity of the elections.”

Reports suggest the investigation will examine allegations that Qatar provided funds to Arab parties to boost voter turnout among Israeli Arabs. Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Majid Al-Ansari, denied these accusations, stating, “Qatar should not be used as a scapegoat for the political failures of certain Israeli politicians.”

Gadi Eisenkot, head of the centrist Yashar party and a potential successor to Netanyahu, voiced concerns that Netanyahu might be attempting to delay or invalidate the results. “Netanyahu…is leading alongside his partners an improper influence operation on the Israeli public aimed at delaying the publication of the election results,” he stated.

The election results must still be certified and submitted to President Issac Herzog before the new Knesset can convene and government formation begins. Should parties fail to form a coalition, new elections would be necessary, with Netanyahu remaining as caretaker prime minister.