Likud alleges foreign interference as Israeli election results approach

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Likud party intensified claims of foreign interference on Thursday, asserting that Arab-led parties had stolen the election. This allegation came as final vote counts moved to confirm that Netanyahu’s bloc has likely lost its parliamentary majority. The opposition criticized the move, arguing that Netanyahu is demonizing the Arab population following their historic turnout.

The dispute centers on a new request from the country’s elections committee to the Shin Bet intelligence service. The committee asked the Shin Bet to investigate alleged interference by unspecified foreign entities acting against the Israeli interest. Although the request did not name Arab-led parties, Netanyahu and Likud used the inquiry to argue that no party should cooperate with them.

Likud declared, "The elections in Israel have been stolen!" The party claimed, without providing specific evidence, that the interference aimed to facilitate a foreign takeover of the Knesset. They also cited goals of Islamizing Israel and toppling the right-wing government. Qatar issued a sharp response, categorically denying any involvement in the elections or funding of activities intended to influence the outcome. The state added that it was accused of buying off the Arab vote.

The elections committee did not release further details, and the Shin Bet did not respond to questions. The committee expects findings within the week. Israeli law requires that election results be certified by November 4. Opposition leaders expressed concern that Netanyahu was preparing to question the legitimacy of the vote. Mansour Abbas, head of the Arab-led Ra’am party, said his party welcomed the investigation while accusing Netanyahu of a campaign of incitement.

Netanyahu campaigned on the threat posed by Arab citizens, who make up 20 percent of the population. Critics described these attacks as an attempt to marginalize a community often viewed with suspicion due to its sympathies for other Palestinians. Yair Golan, head of the Democrats party, accused Netanyahu of launching an ugly delegitimization campaign directed against the public will, particularly the Arab public. Gadi Eisenkot, Netanyahu’s chief rival, warned that political actors should not exploit the situation to influence the timing of the next parliament’s swearing-in, scheduled for November 10.

Local media projections indicate that Netanyahu’s bloc holds 53 seats in the 120-seat Knesset. Opposition parties hold 48 seats, while Arab-led groups hold 19. A 61-seat majority is required to control the legislature. If Netanyahu loses office, he faces yearslong corruption allegations and a likely inquiry into the security failures behind the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. His Likud party accused Arab-led groups of stealing the election on Wednesday, asking for the investigation without providing specific evidence.

Arab-led parties may assert power by supporting other opponents of Netanyahu. This could include electing a new Knesset speaker, giving them control of the legislative agenda. Eisenkot indicated he is open to joining forces with Arab-led parties under certain conditions. Ahmad Tibi, second on the Joint List, told Army Radio that the opposition bloc reached out to discuss replacing the Knesset speaker. The Joint List said it would support the bloc’s candidate for the role.

President Isaac Herzog, who must task a leader with forming the next government, called the situation a sensitive moment. He urged a full investigation and warned against tarnishing a community that exercised its right to vote. Small rallies occurred overnight in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem in support of a coalition including Arab-led parties. No Arab party has joined a coalition government since 2021, and that period was brief. If a new government cannot be formed, Israel faces new elections early next year.