Likud alleges Arab parties rigged Israel vote after losing majority

Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party claimed, without evidence, that Arab-led parties had “stolen” Israel’s election, while warning of the country’s “Islamisation”. The accusations followed results showing Netanyahu’s bloc had lost its parliamentary majority, and drew criticism that he was trying to discredit the vote and demonise Arab voters.

Netanyahu’s bloc won 53 of the Knesset’s 120 seats, his main opposition won 48, and Arab-led parties took the remaining 19. An election committee official referred suspicions of foreign interference to the Shin Bet for investigation but said the claims could not be verified and would not affect the results; Qatar denied reported allegations of involvement. The count is complete, pending certification and submission to the president.