Israel election officials uphold results, reject Netanyahu’s fraud claims

Israel’s election commission has confirmed the final results of the 27 October election, rejecting claims of widespread fraud promoted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The vote deprived his far-right coalition of its governing majority, and the decision matters as parties begin trying to form a new government amid warnings that attacks on the result could undermine confidence in the democratic process.

The Central Elections Committee said its review found no irregularities that compromised the election or affected its outcome, although some suspicions remain under investigation. The attorney general also blocked the Shin Bet from interrogating politicians from Palestinian-led parties, saying there was no evidence to justify questioning them. President Isaac Herzog is expected to give opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot the first chance to form a coalition; Palestinian citizens, about 20% of Israel’s population, voted at record rates.