Netanyahu Suspects Foreign Interference in Israeli Elections
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed suspicions that foreign countries spent large sums to influence the recent parliamentary elections, demanding a full investigation into foreign funding. He also criticized the opposition for trying to form a government with the support of Arab and Muslim political parties.
In a video statement, Netanyahu claimed foreign powers had used substantial funds to sway the elections, but did not name any countries or provide evidence. He also accused some Arab political representatives of supporting terrorism, while acknowledging his own party, Likud, could form a broad national government.
Netanyahu suggested a government dependent on Muslim parties would pose an internal and external threat to Israel, and set out his proposal for a coalition including the right-wing bloc and Zionist parties.
Following his allegations, the Central Elections Committee certified the election results, reviewing 9,069 polling stations and finding no irregularities. The committee's head, Justice Noam Solberg, emphasized that suspicions alone are not enough to annul results, requiring solid evidence.
The Shin Bet security agency has been ordered to investigate possible foreign interference, with checks ongoing into classified information concerning financial support. Netanyahu's bloc won 53 seats, falling short of the 61 needed for a majority government.