Netanyahu’s Likud accuses Arab parties of election fraud, seeks investigation

JERUSALEM: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s party, Likud, has accused Arab parties of fraud in the Israeli elections and demanded an immediate investigation by the Central Elections Committee. Counting of votes continues.

According to Likud, it is providing hundreds of statements and pieces of evidence to the police, Shin Bet and the Central Elections Committee. The party demanded full legal action against those responsible.

A statement issued from Netanyahu’s X account said the elections were “stolen” by Arab parties that support Terrorism. The statement includes allegations of cash payments, threats and violence against polling staff, voting more than once, voting on dual identities and the use of banned software.

Netanyahu’s son, Yair Netanyahu, also alleged fraud. He said that under the law, parties that support Terrorism and do not recognise Israel as a Jewish state cannot contest elections.

According to BBC Urdu, turnout was a record of more than 77 per cent. In partial results, Arab-led parties are leading in about 19 seats, equal to or more than their previous record number. Likud is emerging as the largest single party, but Netanyahu’s alliance appears some way short of 61 seats in the 120-member parliament.

It is difficult for the opposition alliance led by Gadi Eisenkot to win a majority without the Arab parties. According to The Times of Israel, some opposition parties are not willing to accept the support of Arab members, so Netanyahu may remain in power. According to analysts, the initial count took place in right-wing strongholds, so the results may change.