Likud Labels Election Probe 'Ra'amGate,' Citing Unprecedented Shock

The Likud party has issued a strong statement denouncing suspicions of foreign funding and election bribery within the Arab community, branding the affair "Ra'amGate." The party alleges that foreign actors are attempting to influence the composition of the Knesset, urging Zionist parties to cease cooperation with Ra'am and the Joint List.

In its statement, Likud declared, "Ra'amGate is an earthquake. They stole the elections in Israel!" The party specifically referenced a letter from Central Elections Committee Chairman Justice Noam Solberg, who instructed Shin Bet head David Zini to investigate allegations of foreign funding and undue influence on the 26th Knesset elections. Likud described Solberg's remarks about foreign interference and vote-buying for Arab parties as an "unprecedented shock."

Justice Solberg, however, clarified in his letter that he currently lacks sufficient evidence to confirm the suspicions and that further investigation is required to substantiate or refute them. The Likud party escalated its rhetoric, asserting that the foreign involvement aims for a broader political and security objective: "This is an attack on democracy intended to lead to foreign takeover of the Knesset, the Islamization of Israel, and the downfall of the right-wing government to bring about retreat and defeat for the IDF in all arenas, especially Iran."

Likud also directly addressed other Zionist parties, warning against collaboration with Arab parties in post-election political negotiations. "After it became clear that foreign elements tried to take over the Knesset, it is clear that no Zionist party should cooperate with Ra'am and the Joint List, replace the Speaker of the Knesset with cash-bought votes, and establish a government dangerous to Israel," the party stated. Likud concluded by demanding a thorough investigation and prosecution of all involved.

The Likud statement follows further arrests in the election bribery case within the Arab community and Justice Solberg's directive to examine suspicions of foreign involvement in funding activities aimed at influencing voting. Opposition leaders, including Gadi Eisenkot of National Unity and Avigdor Lieberman of Yisrael Beiteinu, also called for a deep and swift examination of the affair, with Lieberman calling it a "dramatic and unprecedented event" and Eisenkot emphasizing the need to protect the integrity of the vote.