Israel Elections: Arab Parties Poised To Be Kingmakers! Netanyahu's Party Alleges Vote-rigging

New Delhi: The preliminary results of the Israeli elections have sparked controversy. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party has accused Arab parties of rigging and stealing the election. The party claims that Arab parties used unfair methods to gain more votes. This controversy comes at a time when Arab parties could play a key role in forming the government.

Israel's parliament, called the Knesset, has a total of 120 seats. To form a government, a party or coalition needs at least 61 seats. Initial results show Netanyahu's right-wing coalition falling short of a majority. With over 89% of the votes counted, his coalition is projected to win 53 seats. His main rival, Gadi Eizenkot's coalition, is expected to win 48 seats. Arab parties, meanwhile, are projected to win a total of 19 seats.

What accusations did Netanyahu make against the Arab parties?

Netanyahu accused Arab parties, particularly the Ra'am Party, of trying to steal the election. He urged his supporters to vote in large numbers. "Don't have barbecues, don't go to the beach, go to the polling booth and vote for Likud," he said.

On Wednesday, the Likud Party issued a statement claiming that Arab parties had stolen the election. It also accused these parties of supporting terrorism and attempting to destroy the Jewish state. It claimed that corruption, threats, violence, lies, and banned software were used to motivate voters. The party said it was submitting witness statements and evidence to authorities. Its allegations include thousands of envelopes filled with cash, ballots belonging to the Ra'am Party, and threats to polling station staff.

Three arrested on suspicion of vote buying

Dean Livne, acting director general of the Central Election Committee, described the incident as unusual. He said police had caught some people trying to bribe voters before voting began. The suspects were apprehended near their homes and the matter is under investigation.

Police said three people were arrested on suspicion of buying votes for the Raam Party. They were found in possession of envelopes and over 24,000 Israeli shekels, or approximately $7,900 in cash. However, the investigation into allegations of electoral fraud and vote-buying is ongoing.