Likud Party to Challenge Election Results, Eisenkot Accuses Netanyahu of Exploiting Qatar Issue

The Likud party is preparing to file a petition with the Central Elections Committee demanding the annulment of results from polling stations suspected of irregularities, including vote buying and illegal campaign methods. Sources indicate this move is linked to allegations of electoral bribery and an ongoing investigation into suspected Qatari interference in the elections. The Likud intends to present evidence of illegal tactics, such as electronic applications allegedly used to track voters.

Senior Likud officials are calling for new elections in the affected polling stations, with the party's legal advisor, Ilan Bombach, reportedly drafting the petition. Meanwhile, Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yahad party, has criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding suspicions of illegal Qatari interference. Eisenkot welcomed Netanyahu's condemnation of Qatari involvement but stressed the seriousness of foreign interference, especially from a state that funds Hamas.

Eisenkot urged the Shin Bet to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations, holding all involved accountable for undermining election integrity. He accused Netanyahu and his allies of orchestrating a campaign to influence public opinion, delay official results, and create grounds to challenge the legitimacy of the upcoming 26th Knesset. Eisenkot emphasized the need for the new Knesset to convene and be sworn in on time, respecting the voters' will as a cornerstone of Israeli democracy.

He further rejected using unverified information to dispute official results, deeming it unacceptable to exploit such data to challenge election outcomes where the public voted against the current government.