JERUSALEM – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right wing Likud party claimed that Arab led political groups “stole” the country’s national elections as verified final poll results confirmed his governing bloc fell short of a majority in the 120 seat Knesset.
According to final tallies released by the Central Elections Committee, Netanyahu’s right wing and religious coalition won 53 seats, leaving it well shy of the 61 seats required to form a working majority. The main centrist opposition “Change” bloc secured 48 seats, while Arab led political parties made historic gains to claim a combined 19 seats, placing them in a decisive kingmaker position for upcoming government coalition talks. Official results are scheduled to be presented to Israeli President Isaac Herzog next week.
Following the release of the figures, Likud issued a statement on X alleging widespread voter fraud, voter intimidation and illegal foreign meddling in Arab-majority voting precincts. The party stated it had submitted evidence to the Israeli Police, the Central Elections Committee, and the domestic security agency Shin Bet, calling the alleged interference a “severe blow to Israeli democracy” and demanding an immediate, high-level criminal investigation.
Central Elections Committee head Justice Noam Sohlberg acknowledged receiving claims regarding potential election irregularities and referred them to the Shin Bet, though authorities noted the allegations currently remain unsubstantiated. Israeli media reported Likud officials suspected financial backing from Qatar, a charge the Gulf state firmly rejected as “ridiculous and dangerous.” Representatives from the Arab-led parties Ra’am and the Joint List similarly dismissed Likud’s accusations of wrongdoing.
The surge in turnout among Israel’s Arab citizens who constitute roughly 20 percent of the nation’s population has reopened intense debate over political coalition-building. Left-leaning opposition figures, including Democrats party leader Yair Golan, urged opposition factions to include Arab led parties in discussions to assemble a alternate governing coalition. However, incorporating Arab-led parties remains politically delicate amid lingering domestic tensions following the October 7, 2023 terror attacks.
If neither Netanyahu nor opposition leaders can assemble a 61 seat majority coalition in the coming weeks, Israel risks entering a fresh period of political deadlock, which could force a return to the polls.
