Likud Party to Challenge Election Results in Court, Citing Arab Voter Mobilization Apps

The Likud party intends to file a petition with the Central Court to challenge the Knesset election results and demand a rerun, citing the use of applications to encourage Arab voters. This move comes after the Central Elections Committee approved the official results, with only the Otzma Yehudit party opposing them, while Likud and Shas abstained from voting. A report by the civil organization "Movement for Quality of Government" indicated that Likud utilized these voter mobilization apps more than any other party, using them in 32% of polling stations. Yahadut HaTorah followed at 10%, Shas at 6%, the United Arab List and Religious Zionism at 2%, and Otzma Yehudit, B'Yachad, Yisrael Beiteinu, and the Joint List each at 1%. Channel 12 reported that the primary goal of Likud's challenge is to delegitimize the election results and any future government formed.

Following the submission of election results to President Isaac Herzog, he held recommendation consultations with parties on Wednesday and Thursday. Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the National Unity Party, secured 67 Knesset member recommendations, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received 46. Consequently, Herzog announced on Saturday evening that he would task Eisenkot with forming the next government on Sunday. Eisenkot responded by stating, "It is time to form a national emergency government. I will do everything in my power to be up to the responsibility."

Upon Eisenkot's official appointment to form the government, he will have 28 days to establish a new government, with the possibility of a 14-day extension granted by President Herzog if needed.