Israeli Minister Backs Netanyahu's Claims of Election Rigging

Israeli Minister of Transport Miri Regev, from the Likud party, has echoed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's accusations of attempts to manipulate election outcomes. Regev stated on social media platform X that unnamed individuals are trying to prevent the right-wing bloc from winning, though she provided no evidence for these claims. "They are trying to steal the elections and the country from us," Regev wrote, urging supporters to vote. She also declared, "Either the right or Palestine."

Earlier, Netanyahu had expressed concerns about high Arab voter turnout, alleging that an effort was underway to steal the election. These statements have caused unease among Likud and its allies, who have been monitoring turnout in Arab communities, including Rahat, and voter activity in areas supporting right-wing parties. The Central Elections Committee, however, has reported no evidence of systematic fraud or falsification in the voting process. Complaints regarding isolated alleged violations are being handled individually.

Meanwhile, the article also notes unrelated events, including the Knesset completing a full term without early elections for the first time in 38 years, election polling stations remaining open past 10 PM if queues exist, a man with a knife detained near Yair Golan in Tel Aviv, and a 31.5% voter turnout by noon. Netanyahu cast his vote in Jerusalem and encouraged Israelis to participate, while the Handel party reported missing and damaged ballots. A storm warning for thunderstorms and lightning was also issued for Israel.