Coalition Figures, Channel 14 Demand Election Results Voided Amid Fraud Claims
Translated & summarized from Haaretz by baba
Government supporters and Channel 14 are demanding the annulment of recent election results, alleging widespread fraud and foreign interference. Figures from the Likud party and coalition partners, including MKs and ministers, have labeled the situation "Ra'amgate" and "ballot box terror," calling for new elections and investigations into Arab parties. Right-wing activists and media personalities are amplifying these claims, suggesting Qatar's involvement and urging public action. The allegations link separate police and Shin Bet investigations, with critics attempting to delegitimize law enforcement involved.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Coalition members and Channel 14 are demanding the annulment of recent election results, citing fraud.
- The allegations are framed as "Ra'amgate" and "ballot box terror," with claims of foreign interference.
- Likud stated the elections were stolen and called it an attack on democracy and the right-wing government.
- MKs and ministers called for investigations into Arab parties and new elections.
- Right-wing activists are urging protests and pressure on election officials to cancel the results.
Government supporters and figures associated with Channel 14 are promoting a narrative that the recent elections were disrupted, calling for their annulment and new elections. They are urging protests at the Central Elections Committee and demanding a halt to the vote count. Channel 14 has framed the allegations as "ballot box terror," linking a police investigation into seven individuals suspected of vote-buying to a Shin Bet investigation concerning alleged foreign interference in the election results. Despite these being separate cases, some Channel 14 reporters have attempted to delegitimize the Lahav 433 police unit by pointing out that Yoav Segalovitz, who is second on the Ra'am party list, previously headed the investigations division.
Likud issued a statement calling the affair "Ra'amgate" and a "political earthquake," claiming the elections were stolen and that this was an attack on democracy aimed at foreign control of the Knesset, the Islamization of Israel, and the downfall of the right-wing government leading to IDF defeat. The party urged all Zionist parties not to cooperate with Ra'am and the Joint List.
Following Likud's statement, coalition members amplified the calls for action. MK Boaz Bismuth (Likud) stated that "terrorist parties' results" should not be recognized until the matter is fully investigated. MK Simcha Rothman (Religious Zionism) reported receiving "unprecedented levels of bribery," while his party colleague, Minister Bezalel Smotrich, called the suspicions a "test case for the State of Israel" and urged the Shin Bet to investigate the heads of Arab parties. Moshe Feiglin, number two on the Otzma Yehudit list, demanded the elections be canceled immediately and new snap elections be held, suggesting the deployment of Border Police to vet Arab voters at polling stations. MK Yitzhak Kroizer (Otzma Yehudit) even called for his supporters to arm themselves, warning of potential Arab unrest if votes for Ra'am are disqualified.
Minister Yoav Kisch echoed a post by Yair Netanyahu, stating the affair must not be swept under the rug. Likud candidate Yaakov Bardugo described the situation as an "earthquake accompanied by a tsunami" that "stole the elections." Channel 14, which broadcast anti-Arab propaganda during election day, initially claimed Qatar attempted to "take over" the Knesset, later adopting the "Ra'amgate" label, and finally settling on "ballot box terror."
Right-wing activist Gilad Ach, a founder of the "Ad Kan" organization, disseminated claims of election bribery, urging MKs to pressure the Central Elections Committee chairman to cancel the elections, alleging that "20 terrorists" bought by Qatar would enter the Knesset. Beraleh Crombi, who organized government support rallies, called for "all law enforcement systems" to stand ready and for public assistance in the investigation. Channel 14 panelist Hadar Miller called for people to take to the streets, labeling it a "political terror attack" and advocating for "pure and correct" new elections and "sorting out" the Arab sector. Fellow panelist Noa Arbel claimed Qatar is challenging Jewish sovereignty in Israel and that new elections are needed because trust in the process is lost. Smadar Morse, a former Likud primary candidate, reversed her previous stance and now demands the country be stopped, citing the inability to form a desired government. Likud member Elad Malka suggested Segalovitz's role was to legitimize Ra'am, first in the public eye and now with Lahav 433. Odelia Kedmi, a government supporter and Zichron Yaakov council member, stated that only repeat elections can restore public trust, as no decisive outcome has been reached and no desired government can currently be formed.