Likud Claims 19 Arab Seats Stole Israeli Election
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu alleges foreign funding bought votes, but the acting head of the election committee says the results are sound.
By Giulia Marshall ·
Nineteen seats. That is the number of Knesset seats won by Israel’s Arab-majority parties in Tuesday’s election. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Likud party argue this specific tally proves the vote was stolen.
On Thursday, the Likud party released a statement declaring the election compromised. The party claimed an "attack on democracy" was underway. They cited foreign funding that amounted to vote buying. The goal, they said, was to force a foreign takeover of the Knesset and the Islamization of Israel.
The final results show the far-right bloc held 53 seats. That is a drop from 68 seats in the previous parliament. The loss of those 15 seats means Netanyahu’s bloc no longer commands a majority. They cannot form a government alone.
The four parties in the main opposition bloc won 48 seats. To reach a majority, they need help. The leaders of the two largest Arab parties have said they are willing to support the opposition. This would allow the new group to unseat the current prime minister.
Most Jewish-led parties opposed to Netanyahu promised before the vote that they would not rely on Arab support. Now, they face a difficult choice. They must decide if they will cooperate with the parties they previously pledged to avoid.
The Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security agency, opened an investigation into possible foreign influence. The agency stated the investigation is focused and bounded. It does not place blame on the entire sector that voted legally, the Shin Bet said. Media reports indicate the probe is looking at whether Qatar sent money to Arab parties to increase voter turnout.
Qatar’s foreign ministry rejected the accusation. Spokesperson Majid Al-Ansari said the ministry categorically denies the interference. "Qatar should not be used as a scapegoat for the political failures of certain Israeli politicians," Al-Ansari said.
Din Livne, the Acting Director-General of the Central Elections Committee, addressed the claims in a letter. She stated there is no basis for the argument that the election integrity was systematically compromised. Vote counting is officially complete. The results must now be certified and sent to President Isaac Herzog.
Gadi Eisenkot, the top candidate to replace Netanyahu, warned of a delay tactic. He accused Netanyahu of running an improper influence operation. Eisenkot said the move aims to delay the publication of results and delegitimize the new 26th Knesset.
Netanyahu will remain as caretaker prime minister until a new government is formed. If the parties cannot agree on a coalition, the country will hold another election. Netanyahu would stay in power in the interim.
