Likud Party Alleges Foreign Interference in Israeli Elections, Demands Probe

Israel's Likud party has accused several politicians and media figures of attempting to influence upcoming elections with the alleged involvement of foreign entities, demanding a criminal investigation. In a statement released by the party's press service, Likud claims that a recent Haaretz newspaper report, detailing a warning from UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prior to the October 7th Hamas attack, was orchestrated by Palestinian politician Mohammed Dahlan, who resides in the UAE. Likud asserts that Dahlan has a vested interest in replacing Netanyahu's government, believing a new administration would withdraw from Gaza, allowing him to gain control over the territory.

The party further alleges that journalist Shlomi Eldar, who published the Haaretz story, received funds from a non-profit organization linked by Likud to Yair Golan's Democratic Party. The Likud statement also references a trip taken by Golan and former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar to the United Arab Emirates approximately two months ago, questioning if this visit was connected to the Haaretz publication.

Likud's statement calls for an investigation into the actions of Shlomi Eldar, Ruth Yuval, the Haaretz newspaper, Yair Golan, and his party, on suspicion of attempting to interfere in elections with foreign backing. The party's statement did not provide any evidence to support these accusations.