Likud Accuses Foreign Interference in Israeli Elections, Demands Probe

The Likud party launched a sharp attack Wednesday, alleging foreign interference behind a recent Haaretz newspaper investigation, which they claim aims to replace the current government. The ruling party called for an investigation into those involved.

Likud stated that Palestinian official Mohammed Dahlan, residing in the UAE, is behind the "false report" published by Haaretz. They asserted that Dahlan, who allegedly formed a joint list with Hamas for Palestinian Authority elections, seeks to overthrow Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing government to gain control of the Gaza Strip. According to Likud, Dahlan desires a "weak left-wing government" led by figures like Benny Gantz, Yair Golan, and Avigdor Lieberman, which would withdraw from Gaza and cede it to his control.

The party also targeted journalist Shlomi Eldar, claiming he received payment from a left-wing organization linked to Yair Golan's The Democrats party to spread the "false narrative." Likud raised questions about a recent "secret visit" to the UAE by Yair Golan and Ronen Bar, asking if it was connected to the Haaretz publication.

Likud demanded a criminal investigation into Shlomi Eldar, Ruth Yuval, Haaretz newspaper, Yair Golan, and The Democrats party for allegedly attempting to disrupt elections with foreign actors. The allegations stem from a Haaretz investigation, detailed in a new book by Eldar and Yuval, which reported that UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed warned Netanyahu about an impending significant event planned by Yahya Sinwar about a week and a half before October 7, 2023.

Earlier on Wednesday, Likud announced its decision to sue Haaretz, calling the report a "false fabrication against the Prime Minister that never happened."