Israeli election authorities have rejected Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s allegations of electoral fraud against Arab-majority parties. An extensive audit covering 9,069 polling stations found no evidence of irregularities or interference with the election results. The decision comes amid political uncertainty, as neither Netanyahu nor opposition rival Gadi Eisenkot has secured enough parliamentary seats. Meanwhile, President Isaac Herzog is preparing to begin consultations to determine who gets the first opportunity to form Israel’s next government.
Election Commission Finds No Evidence of Fraud
The Central Elections Committee announced on Wednesday that its investigation found no evidence supporting allegations of electoral misconduct. Authorities reviewed complaints submitted by political factions and examined results from 9,069 polling stations.
Following the audit, the committee expressed confidence that the announced results “accurately reflect the will of the voters”.
It further stated that “All complaints submitted by political factions have been reviewed and there were no findings indicating harm to the integrity of the election”.
Netanyahu had repeatedly accused Arab-majority parties of electoral fraud following the October 27 election. He cited the arrests of several individuals carrying envelopes of cash on polling day.
Additionally, the Israeli prime minister alleged that lawmakers had received money from Qatar. Similar allegations involving foreign payments have previously targeted his own aides.
The accusations triggered further political controversy, particularly after reports emerged about possible questioning of Arab political parties.
Attorney General Rejects Calls for Questioning
Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara said late Tuesday that authorities would not question anyone without supporting evidence.
Her statement followed reports that the head of Israel’s domestic security service, Shin Bet, had requested permission to interrogate Arab parties. The Shin Bet chief is considered an ally of Netanyahu.
However, Netanyahu’s Likud party strongly criticised the attorney general’s position. The party accused her of attempting to “obstruct the investigation and to cover up this serious case of manipulation of the electoral process by foreign actors”.
Meanwhile, opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot condemned Likud’s approach, describing it as an attempt to launch a “pogrom against democracy”.
Eisenkot, a former military chief, has been working to unite centrist and centre-right political forces. His campaign seeks to end Netanyahu’s lengthy and divisive leadership.
He also warned Netanyahu against initiating another war with Iran alongside US President Donald Trump. According to Eisenkot, such a conflict could help Netanyahu pursue a unity government or delay political developments until another election.
Netanyahu and Opposition Fall Short of Majority
The October 27 election has left Israel facing another difficult political deadlock. Neither Netanyahu nor Eisenkot currently commands the 61 seats required for a parliamentary majority.
Netanyahu’s political bloc holds 53 seats, while Eisenkot’s opposition alliance has secured 48. However, Arab-majority parties have increased their representation to 19 seats.
Consequently, their support could prove decisive in determining Israel’s next government. Eisenkot could potentially reach the required majority by cooperating with parties representing the Arab minority.
Nevertheless, some opposition figures remain reluctant to depend on non-Jewish lawmakers to secure parliamentary support.
The political dispute has also complicated prospects for a national unity government. Former prime minister and opposition figure Yair Lapid pointed to the recent US midterm elections, where Democrats defeated Trump’s Republicans.
He argued that the Shin Bet “outbursts” and the American election results “eliminate any possibility of a unity government led by Netanyahu”.
Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, has nevertheless called for a “broad national government”, with himself leading the administration.
Herzog Begins Consultations on Government Formation
President Isaac Herzog will formally receive the October 27 election results before beginning consultations with political parties. His next decision will determine whether Netanyahu or Eisenkot gets the first opportunity to form a government.
Although Herzog holds a largely ceremonial position, he has an important constitutional responsibility during government formation. He must decide which political leader receives the initial mandate.
Herzog has indicated that he wants to encourage “fresh thinking” and prevent another election. His position has also fuelled speculation about possible discussions surrounding a national unity arrangement.
The president plans to begin two days of consultations, starting with smaller political parties.
Once Herzog assigns the mandate, the chosen candidate will have 28 days to form a government. The president can also grant an additional 14 days if necessary.
If the candidate fails, Herzog can transfer the mandate to another political leader. Should that attempt also collapse, a majority of lawmakers will have 21 days to nominate another candidate.
Otherwise, Israel will head towards another national election.
The previous government formation process also proved difficult. Following the November 2022 election, Netanyahu took 58 days to establish his administration.
Israel experienced five elections between 2019 and 2022 because of repeated political deadlocks.
Netanyahu Faces Political and Legal Challenges
The election dispute carries significant consequences for Netanyahu, who faces corruption charges and potential imprisonment if convicted. Losing power could also cost him the political protection associated with his position.
Yousef Jabareen, head of the largest Arab-majority party in the incoming parliament, urged opposition parties to recognise the political situation. He told reporters this week that they needed to accept “political reality” and cooperate to remove Netanyahu.
However, Netanyahu has repeatedly warned Jewish Israeli voters that opposition parties intend to work with Arab political groups. He has accused those parties of supporting Hamas.
With election authorities rejecting the fraud allegations, Netanyahu’s political future now depends heavily on negotiations between rival parliamentary blocs. Meanwhile, Herzog’s consultations will determine whether Israel can overcome another government formation crisis or face yet another election.
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