Israel's Election Authority Denies Mass Surveillance Rumors

Israel's Central Election Committee has officially refuted widespread social media rumors alleging that the Likud party organized systematic citizen surveillance during the recent elections and transmitted data via specialized software. The committee stated that no signals of such systemic activity were received. The only recorded incident during the entire voting period was a single instance of photography at a polling station in Moshav Yarhiv. Committee representatives clarified that the photo was taken by a member of the local election team. Following an explanation of the rules, the individual admitted the mistake and immediately ceased the activity. The regulator thus confirmed the absence of large-scale violations and labeled information about constant citizen surveillance as fake news. Earlier, police in Rahat detained three Bedouins on suspicion of voter bribery, allegedly offering money in exchange for votes for the Ra'am party. Voter bribery is illegal under Israeli law. The elections for the 26th Knesset were held on October 27th across thousands of polling stations nationwide, with vote counting commencing after polls closed. Voters were required to present identification, and special provisions were made for individuals with limited mobility, hospital patients, and evacuated residents. Any unauthorized marks on ballots or the inclusion of non-prescribed voting options in envelopes were prohibited.