Israel’s election chief has ordered an immediate probe into suspected foreign interference in Tuesday’s parliamentary vote, as police dismissed allegations of widespread fraud by Arab parties.
Police: No evidence of election theft; Shin Bet to investigate foreign funding
Israel Police stated on Thursday morning that no investigative or intelligence evidence supported claims by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party that Arab-led parties had "stolen" the election through bribery, intimidation, or ballot manipulation. The statement followed Netanyahu’s Wednesday allegations, which cited thousands of envelopes with cash, threats against polling staff, and discrepancies in voter rolls as evidence of fraud.
In parallel, Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg, chair of the Central Elections Committee, directed Israel’s domestic security agency, the Shin Bet, to investigate suspected foreign funding intended to influence voter turnout in Arab communities. Sohlberg cited "serious suspicions" of improper influence through foreign entities acting against Israeli interests, though he did not confirm the validity of the claims. The Shin Bet was instructed to submit findings within a week.
Netanyahu’s bloc leads but falls short of majority
With nearly 94% of ballots counted, Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition secured 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset, ahead of opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot’s bloc with 48 seats. Neither bloc achieved the 61-seat threshold for a majority. Arab-led parties, including the Joint List and Ra’am, won a record 19 seats, positioning them as potential kingmakers in coalition talks.
Netanyahu has accused Arab parties of supporting terrorism and attempting to "eliminate the Jewish state," alleging foreign funding from Qatar and Turkey to boost turnout. His Likud party submitted hundreds of testimonies to police, the Shin Bet, and the Central Elections Committee, demanding immediate action. Opposition figures, including Eisenkot, have called for thorough investigations but cautioned against politicizing the process.
Key developments in the probe
The Shin Bet’s investigation will focus on channels used to transfer foreign funds, including those previously linked to terrorist organizations. Reports indicate intercepted envelopes containing cash and Ra’am party ballots, though authorities have not confirmed the source of the funds. Justice Sohlberg emphasized the "purity of elections" as central to democracy, while police reiterated that election day saw only a small number of unusual incidents compared to past elections.
Arab party leaders, including Ra’am’s Mansour Abbas, have rejected the allegations, stating their party had no connection to foreign funding. Abbas welcomed an investigation but warned against stigmatizing the Arab Israeli community, which voted at unprecedented rates. Israeli President Isaac Herzog also cautioned against broad accusations, noting the community’s growing political engagement.
Ongoing political deadlock and regional tensions
The inconclusive results have left Israel in a political deadlock, with no clear path to forming a government. Eisenkot has expressed openness to cooperation with Arab parties, though Netanyahu’s bloc has framed such alliances as a threat to national security. The deadlock coincides with heightened regional tensions, including the possibility of renewed conflict with Iran, adding uncertainty to the political landscape.
Analysts note that the Arab parties’ gains reflect broader shifts in Israeli politics, including growing disillusionment with Netanyahu’s leadership and outrage over policies toward Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. Meanwhile, international observers, including the U.S., have not publicly commented on the allegations, though former President Donald Trump suggested he would "take a look" at supporting Netanyahu in forming a unity government.
What’s next?
Final results are expected after absentee ballots are counted. The Shin Bet’s findings on foreign interference and police investigations into fraud allegations will be critical in determining the next steps. Coalition negotiations, if they proceed, could take weeks or months, particularly given the deep divisions within the Knesset.