Israeli Police Dispute Likud's Claims of Widespread Election Fraud

The Israeli police stated on Thursday that no evidence or intelligence supports the Likud party's accusations of massive electoral fraud in Arab polling stations during the recent legislative elections. A police statement indicated that election day proceeded with a limited number of unusual incidents related to the integrity of the vote, even fewer than in previous elections, with one police source noting a nearly 40% decrease in reported incidents compared to the last ballot.

This official clarification sharply contrasts with the Likud party's allegations made the previous day. The Likud, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, had issued a strong statement claiming the elections were "stolen" by Arab parties it accused of supporting terrorism and seeking to destroy the Jewish state. The party asserted it had provided hundreds of testimonies and pieces of evidence to the police, Shin Bet, and the Central Election Commission, alleging irregularities in numerous Arab polling stations.

Specific accusations from the Likud included the alleged distribution of cash-filled envelopes with Ra'am party ballots, threats and violence against election officials, identity theft, discrepancies between ballot counts and voter numbers, and the use of prohibited software for voter mobilization. The Likud called for an immediate, thorough investigation and prosecution of those responsible, calling the alleged actions a "grave blow to Israeli democracy."

The Central Election Commission confirmed it received the Likud's request and would review it, but noted this was a standard post-election procedure, not an exceptional investigation triggered by the accusations. The commission's acting director-general had informed all parties of this standard process on October 25, two days before the elections.

The controversy unfolds amid a tense political climate. With 90.4% of votes counted, Netanyahu's bloc was projected to win 53 seats, while Gadi Eisenkot's bloc was at 48, and Arab parties were projected to secure 19 seats. Neither major bloc appeared to have the 61 seats needed for a governing majority, potentially positioning Arab parties as key players in coalition negotiations. The police maintain that, at this stage, they have no information to corroborate the Likud's claims of widespread fraud, even as the counting of double envelopes is yet to be finalized.