Likud amplified unsubstantiated allegations that Arab-led parties stole Israel's parliamentary election
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party amplified unsubstantiated claims that Arab-led parties “stole” the election, as results showed the bloc losing its majority. Election committee head and Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg said suspicions of foreign interference had been brought before him; the Central Elections Committee directed the Shin Bet to investigate.
More context
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party on Thursday amplified unsubstantiated allegations that Arab-led parties had "stolen" the election, potentially with foreign assistance, as final results showed his bloc had lost its majority in parliament. Likud had been spreading claims of malfeasance since exit polls indicated a setback in Tuesday's vote, but escalated the rhetoric after Israel's election committee head, Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg, said "serious suspicions" of foreign interference had been brought before him. The committee directed the Shin Bet to investigate. Likud also alleged bribery, intimidation and other irregularities in Arab communities, citing suspected cash payments linked to Ra’am ballots. It accused Qatar of financing efforts to influence the election; Doha denies the allegation.
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Reporting
- PBS News — Netanyahu's party claims Israeli election 'stolen' as results show him losing majority | PBS News
- KRCR News Channel 7 — Netanyahu's bloc loses majority as party claims election was 'stolen'
- The Jerusalem Post — Israel election: Arab parties could decide Netanyahu's political future | The Jerusalem Post
Verifier’s note
PBS News and KRCR report that Likud amplified allegations of election fraud as Netanyahu’s bloc faced losing its majority, including claims tied to foreign interference. The Jerusalem Post independently reports Likud’s accusations against Qatar and the investigation into suspected foreign interference.