Journalist Accuses Ruling Party of Staged Influence Campaign

Channel 12 journalist Guy Peleg has sharply criticized the ruling party's narrative surrounding the recent Knesset election results, particularly its claims of fraud in the Arab sector. Speaking on his radio show on 103FM, Peleg described the allegations as a "manufactured awareness campaign" designed to undermine the democratic process. He argued that the Likud party is orchestrating a two-part "planned influence operation." First, they promoted the idea of high Arab voter turnout with the slogan "Arabs are streaming in," implying they were stealing the election. Immediately afterward, the narrative shifted to "Arabs stole the election with Qatar's help."

Peleg expressed astonishment at the blatant way these messages are being injected into public discourse. His remarks come in direct response to ongoing accusations from senior Likud officials, who recently issued a statement claiming the election results were "stolen by Arab parties supporting terror." The ruling party has demanded immediate investigations by the police, Shin Bet, and the Central Elections Committee into allegations of vote buying, cash envelopes found near Ra'am ballots, threats to polling station staff, double voting, and the use of prohibited software to encourage voters.

Peleg, a senior legal correspondent for Channel 12 and a radio host, is known for his investigative journalism and has often been at the center of political storms. He has previously broken exclusive leaks and published dramatic investigation transcripts. He is also currently facing controversy over his reporting on the "Unit 100" case at the Shdei Teyman facility, after Channel 12 aired security footage showing the physical abuse of a security detainee. This broadcast sparked public outrage, accusations of biased reporting that harmed the reputation of soldiers and the country, and led to multi-million shekel libel suits against him by unit soldiers.