Central Elections Committee Approves Final Results Amid Foreign Interference Probe
The Central Elections Committee has approved Israel's final election results despite Likud's demands for delays over alleged foreign interference. Meanwhile, reports surfaced regarding remarks by Sara Netanyahu, which Likud has denied.
Sara Netanyahu reportedly claimed that the country is being stolen and elections are being compromised by foreign intervention during a recent meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and coalition party representatives, according to local media reports. Sources present at the gathering stated that she voiced sharp concerns over foreign states undermining Israeli sovereignty. The Likud party has categorically denied the remarks attributed to her.
The disclosure emerges against the backdrop of an ongoing political dispute led by Likud regarding suspicions of foreign electoral interference. The party previously requested access to investigative findings prior to the formal certification of the vote. However, Supreme Court Justice and Central Elections Committee Chairman Noam Solberg clarified that the committee lacks the legal authority to delay the publication of results based on pending investigations. Likud had argued that a margin of 4,612 votes could potentially shift a mandate from Ra'am to the right-wing bloc, demanding a swift and thorough inquiry.
Final Election Results Approved
Despite the controversy, the Central Elections Committee formally approved the final election results. The committee announced that it reviewed protocols from 9,069 polling stations, representing approximately 75% of regular voting booths, including every station cited in public and party petitions. An in-depth examination of voting materials was conducted across 350 specific stations.
Throughout the process, the committee processed 2,452 inquiries submitted by political factions and candidate lists, alongside 1,239 public complaints. Necessary administrative corrections were implemented where required. According to the committee, the comprehensive audit revealed no evidence of systemic electoral fraud or any discrepancies that would alter the final outcome of the vote.
Ongoing Investigations into Foreign Funding
While the polling station audits have concluded, broader investigations into alleged foreign funding remain active. Parallel inquiries are examining suspicions that external actors funneled substantial funds into the country to influence the electoral process. Justice Solberg noted that intelligence information presented to him indicates extensive financial flows that warrant further clarification. Nevertheless, he emphasized that these remain unverified allegations and do not constitute legal grounds to postpone the certification of results or invalidate the broader democratic process.
During the vote certification session, representatives from Likud, Shas, and United Torah Judaism abstained, while delegates from Otzma Yehudit voted against approval. Although the results are now official, inquiries into the origin of the foreign funds and the alleged influence operations continue.
