Likud Alleges Election Fraud Amid Record Arab Turnout, Securing 19 Seats
Following record Arab voter turnout resulting in 19 projected mandates, the Likud party alleged widespread election fraud and demanded a formal investigation by the Shin Bet and Israel Police, while security chiefs maintained the vote was secure.
Following an unprecedented surge in voter turnout across Arab localities, the Likud party has accused Arab factions of stealing the election. With 93 percent of polling stations reporting, Arab parties secured 19 mandates, driven by record turnout in cities like Sakhnin at 86.8 percent.
Likud Alleges Serious Violations
In an official statement, the ruling party claimed that the election was compromised through severe criminal offenses, including bribery, intimidation, violence, ballot forgery, and the use of prohibited voter-mobilization software. Likud announced it is transferring hundreds of pieces of evidence and testimonies to the Israel Police, the Shin Bet, and the Central Election Committee, demanding a thorough investigation and strict legal enforcement.
Shabak Rejects Fraud Claims
Contrasting the allegations, Shin Bet Director David Zini stated at the Central Election Committee headquarters that the electoral process was secure and properly supervised. "Israel's elections are safe, orderly, and monitored in an inspiring manner," Zini declared, praising the leadership of Judge Solberg and the Israel Police.
Political Repercussions and Coalition Stance
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a sharp critique against the Arab parties, declaring that forming a coalition with them is unacceptable. Meanwhile, current results give the Netanyahu bloc 53 seats, the change bloc 48 seats, and Arab parties 19 seats, with hundreds of thousands of double envelopes still awaiting tabulation.
