Eisenkot Accuses Netanyahu of Delaying Election Results Amidst Probe
Translated & summarized from Arab48 by baba
Gadi Eisenkot accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of orchestrating a campaign to delay the announcement of Knesset election results and undermine their legitimacy. The Likud party countered by accusing Eisenkot of legitimizing election bribes to Arab partners. Shin Bet head David Zini briefed both leaders on allegations of foreign interference and vote-buying, prompting calls for a swift investigation. President Yitzhak Herzog stressed the importance of election integrity while urging against collective punishment.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Gadi Eisenkot accused PM Netanyahu of a campaign to delay election results and question Knesset legitimacy.
- Likud accused Eisenkot of legitimizing election bribes to Arab parties with foreign funding.
- Shin Bet head David Zini briefed Netanyahu and Eisenkot on election interference allegations.
- The Central Elections Committee requested a Shin Bet probe into foreign funding and bribes.
- President Herzog emphasized election integrity and called for thorough investigation.
- Eisenkot urged swift investigation and prosecution of those harming election integrity.
Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yashar Party, accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of leading an influence campaign aimed at the Israeli public to delay the official announcement of Knesset election results. Eisenkot stated that Netanyahu, along with his partners, is orchestrating an "unlawful influence campaign" to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the 26th Knesset's proceedings. He criticized attempts to exploit unverified information to challenge the election outcomes, asserting that the public voted against a "government of failure." Eisenkot urged the Shin Bet to conduct a thorough and immediate investigation into the suspicions, emphasizing that anyone proven to have harmed election integrity should face consequences.
The Likud party, led by Netanyahu, responded by accusing Eisenkot of leading a campaign to legitimize "election bribes" to his Arab party partners, alleging their votes were "bought with foreign money." Reports indicate that Shin Bet head David Zini met with Netanyahu and later briefed Eisenkot on the allegations. This follows a request from the Central Elections Committee for the Shin Bet to investigate claims of foreign funding to boost Arab voter turnout and election bribes.
Eisenkot confirmed he is in contact with relevant parties and receiving updates on suspicions of foreign interference, stressing Israel's need to protect election integrity by all means. He cautioned against allowing political entities to exploit the situation to influence the Knesset's swearing-in date. The Likud party attacked the Joint List and the United Arab List, stating that no Zionist party should cooperate with them or form a government based on "bought votes," deeming it a danger to Israel. They demanded immediate action from the Shin Bet and police.
Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog addressed the allegations, stating he is closely following the investigation and emphasizing that election integrity is paramount in democracy. He called for thorough investigation and prosecution of offenders but urged against harming entire communities who exercised their right to vote.
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