Key facts
- Netanyahu alleged, without evidence, that Arab parties' election gains were driven by voter fraud.
- Arab leaders accused Netanyahu of incitement and an orchestrated campaign to undermine election results.
- Israeli election officials are investigating fraud allegations but found no systematic compromise of election integrity.
- The Central Election Committee requested an investigation into suspected foreign intervention.
- President Isaac Herzog urged that an entire community not be tarnished by the allegations.
Benjamin Netanyahu alleged on Thursday that Arab parties' significant gains in a recent election were partly due to voter fraud, a claim rejected by Arab leaders who accused the prime minister of incitement. The allegations represent an escalation of anti-Arab rhetoric by Netanyahu and his allies following high Arab turnout in Tuesday's national ballot, which has complicated the path to power for both Netanyahu and his main rival, Gadi Eisenkot.
Election officials stated that while an investigation into fraud allegations is underway, the election's integrity was not systematically compromised. Analysts suggest Netanyahu's intensified attacks on Arab parties may be an attempt to prevent Eisenkot from forming a minority government with Arab support.
With nearly 93% of votes counted, Netanyahu's bloc held a slight lead, but neither bloc had secured the 61 seats needed for a majority. Arab parties were projected to win an unprecedented 19 seats, leaving Eisenkot's bloc without a clear path to power without Arab backing, which he has so far ruled out.