Israel’s election has triggered a political storm after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu alleged that Arab-led parties stole the vote through foreign funding and voter bribery, claims that have not been substantiated by publicly presented evidence. The controversy intensified after Central Elections Committee chief Justice Noam Sohlberg asked Israel’s internal security agency, Shin Bet, to investigate suspicions of foreign interference.
With Netanyahu’s bloc projected to win 53 seats , opposition parties led by Gadi Eisenkot on 48 and Arab-led parties on 19, no camp has secured the 61 seats needed for a majority in the 120-member Knesset . The allegations have further complicated efforts to form a government, with the final election results expected by November 4. Track Live Updates on Israel Election Results Netanyahu’s Likud party has accused Arab-led parties of election fraud, alleging bribery, threats, violence, forged documents and multiple voting. The party has demanded investigations by the police, Shin Bet and the Central Elections Committee. The allegations have not been established, and the authorities have not publicly presented evidence of systematic election fraud. The row intensified after the election committee’s chief, Justice Noam Sohlberg, asked Shin Bet chief David Zini to investigate suspicions of improper foreign influence through funding allegedly provided by entities acting against Israeli interests. Arab-led parties have rejected the allegations, accusing Likud of attempting to delegitimise Arab voters and their electoral gains. Joint List leader Ahmad Tibi dismissed the fraud claims, while other Arab political leaders described the accusations as an attempt to undermine the democratic process and marginalise Palestinian citizens of Israel. Netanyahu has called on Zionist parties to reject cooperation with Ra’am and the Joint List, arguing that such an arrangement would threaten Israel’s security and political direction. His opponents have accused him of using the allegations to weaken the possibility of an alternative government. National security minister Itamar Ben Gvir has gone further, calling for the arrest of Arab party leaders if there is a legal basis to do so. If coalition negotiations fail, Israel could face another election.
Sohlberg said he could not verify the substance of the allegations but considered a thorough investigation necessary.
