Israel’s Central Elections Committee says an audit of 9,069 polling stations found no evidence of irregularities affecting the October 27 vote, rejecting allegations promoted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
JERUSALEM, ISRAEL — WEB DESK: Israel’s Central Elections Committee has rejected allegations of election fraud promoted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying an audit of 9,069 polling stations found no evidence that irregularities compromised the integrity of last week’s parliamentary vote.
The committee said all complaints submitted by political parties had been reviewed and that the official results accurately reflected voters’ choices in the October 27 election.
The findings were announced on Wednesday, November 4, as Israel moved towards forming a new government following an inconclusive election that left both major political blocs short of a parliamentary majority.
Election commission finds no evidence of fraud
Netanyahu and members of his Likud party had repeatedly accused Arab-majority political parties of electoral fraud, alleging that their gains may have involved financial inducements and foreign interference.
The prime minister pointed to arrests of several people found carrying envelopes of cash on election day and later alleged that lawmakers had received money from Qatar.
However, the Central Elections Committee said its review found no evidence that the complaints affected the validity of the election results.
The committee’s acting director, Dean Livne, said every complaint had been examined individually and thoroughly.
Separate investigation into foreign interference continues
The election commission’s findings do not mean every related allegation has been closed.
A separate investigation by Israel’s domestic intelligence agency, Shin Bet, into suspected foreign interference remains ongoing.
Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara said she would not authorise questioning individuals without supporting evidence after reports that Shin Bet had sought to interrogate Arab political figures.
Netanyahu’s Likud party criticised the attorney general, accusing her of obstructing an investigation. These allegations remain disputed.
Netanyahu’s bloc falls short of parliamentary majority
The October 27 election left Israel’s 120-member parliament without a bloc holding the 61 seats required for a majority.
According to the reported results:
- Netanyahu’s bloc: 53 seats
- Gadi Eisenkot’s opposition bloc: 48 seats
- Arab-led parties: 19 seats
The gains made by Arab-led parties could prove important in negotiations over the next government.
Eisenkot, a former military chief and Netanyahu’s main challenger, could potentially reach a majority through cooperation with Arab-led parties, although some opposition figures have expressed reservations about such an arrangement.
President Herzog begins government formation process
Israeli President Isaac Herzog received the official election results on Wednesday and is expected to consult political parties before deciding who should receive the first opportunity to form a government.
The candidate appointed will have 28 days to assemble a governing coalition, with a possible 14-day extension.
If the first candidate fails, Herzog can give another politician an opportunity. If the process remains unsuccessful, Israel could face another election.
