Netanyahu accuses Arab parties of “stealing” Israel’s election and demands an investigation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Arab parties of “stealing” the election in Israel. In a post on X, he linked them to alleged offences including bribery, threats, violence, falsification and the use of prohibited software to mobilise voters.

Netanyahu says Likud will submit hundreds of witness statements and evidence to the police, the domestic security service Shin Bet and the Central Elections Committee. The party says the alleged irregularities took place at several polling stations in Arab towns.

Likud alleges irregularities at polling stations

Among the evidence it says it has collected, Likud cites envelopes containing cash and Ra’am ballot papers; threats and assaults against polling station staff; several voters standing behind voting screens at once; and possible cases of identity fraud. It also alleges discrepancies between the number of ballots and the number of voters, as well as the alleged use of prohibited software to mobilise voters.

The party is calling on the police and Shin Bet to conduct a thorough investigation and has asked the Central Elections Committee to respond immediately and examine the allegations. 

Netanyahu described the reported incidents as a serious attack on Israeli democracy and the right to vote, and called on the authorities to act swiftly.