Police Deny Likud Claims of Election Theft by Arab Parties

Israel's police have refuted allegations made by the Likud party concerning the theft of votes in the 26th Knesset elections, stating there is no investigative or intelligence support for these claims. The police response came after the Likud issued a strong statement accusing Arab parties of bribery, fraud, threats, and violence at polling stations, demanding a comprehensive investigation. The police noted that election day saw few unusual incidents related to election integrity, even compared to previous elections. In response, Sagi Keizler, the Likud's director of election integrity in the Arab sector, claimed the party submitted 1,183 complaints to the Central Elections Committee on election day, including details and witness contacts. These complaints reportedly involved 38 cases of bribery, 25 of improper police interference, 66 of violence or threats, 115 of double voting, and 408 of voter data manipulation. Keizler criticized the authorities for not contacting any witnesses, suggesting a predetermined conclusion. Minister Ben Gvir also commented, stating that individuals disloyal to Israel should not have the right to vote, and expressed pride in his actions against terrorists and illegal construction. The dispute originated from the Likud's prior statement alleging that Arab parties supporting terrorism had stolen the elections through severe criminal offenses like bribery, threats, violence, and fraud. The Likud claimed to have provided hundreds of testimonies and evidence to the police, Shin Bet, and the Elections Committee regarding suspected offenses in numerous Arab polling stations. They detailed allegations of thousands of envelopes containing cash and Ra'am party ballots, threats against election committee members, multiple voting, and the use of prohibited software. The Likud demanded a thorough investigation by the police and Shin Bet and immediate action from the Elections Committee to address these alleged violations, which they argued severely damaged Israeli democracy.