Likud Claims Election 'Stolen' by Arab Parties After Their Record Showing
The party says it has submitted 'hundreds of testimonies' alleging cash handouts, intimidation and unlicensed voter-mobilization software, as Hebrew media reports the fraud claims were prepared in advance in case Netanyahu lost.
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By Israel Politics Post Staff·Published
Joint List party chairman Yousef Jabareen and supporters gather at the party's election headquarters in Nazareth · Source: Sharon Leibel/Flash90, via The Times of Israel
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party alleged that the October 27 election was "stolen" through widespread misconduct by the Arab-led Joint List and Ra'am parties, after the two parties posted a combined, historically strong 19-seat showing, nearly double their previous total of 10, according to a report by The Times of Israel. Likud said it had submitted "hundreds of testimonies" and supporting evidence to law enforcement and the Central Elections Committee, alleging cash distribution tied to campaign materials, voter intimidation, ballot irregularities and the use of unlicensed voter-mobilization software.
The Central Elections Committee confirmed it had opened its standard election-integrity monitoring process and would examine Likud's specific complaints, even though an elections official had earlier dismissed fraud allegations in a media interview. Joint List chairman Yousef Jabareen said his party would not join a governing coalition but would cooperate with opposition leaders willing to address Palestinian concerns tied to the Gaza war and West Bank settlements.
Hebrew media reports cited by The Times of Israel indicated Likud had prepared fraud allegations in advance, intending to contest the results if Netanyahu's bloc fell short. The claims arrive as both major blocs remain far from a governing majority, Netanyahu's camp at 53 seats and Eisenkot's opposition at 48 with 85.6% of votes counted, leaving the Arab-led parties' surge central to the emerging stalemate.
The allegations risk casting doubt on the legitimacy of the Arab parties' historic gains just as coalition negotiations, already complicated by the tight seat math, are getting underway.
