Israeli Politician Demands Election Cancellation Amid Fraud Allegations

Moshe Feiglin, chairman of the Zehut Party, has called for the cancellation of the 26th Knesset elections and a rerun, citing allegations of vote-buying and irregularities, particularly within the Arab community. Feiglin released two videos stating that "Qatar cannot take over our Knesset" and that a repeat election should occur without campaigning. He likened the situation to a "political October 7th" for Israel.

Feiglin's demands follow an order from the Chairman of the Central Elections Committee, Judge Noam Sohlberg, to the head of the Shin Bet, David Zini, to investigate suspicions of foreign funding and undue influence. Sohlberg's letter to Zini detailed serious allegations of vote-buying by foreign actors and instructed the service to find evidence to either confirm or refute these claims within a week.

Meanwhile, Israeli police reported the arrest of four additional suspects in a vote-buying case in the Negev, including three school principals from Tel Sheva and Masgheb Shalom. This brings the total number of suspects arrested in the case to seven. The investigation, led by Lahav 433, is examining allegations of money and benefits exchanged for votes. The four newly arrested suspects were later released to house arrest.

Feiglin specifically referenced MK Ahmad Tibi, who was filmed in a dispute at a polling station in Tayibe on election day. Feiglin alleged Tibi entered the station with his entourage, contrary to regulations, and that observers were expelled from Arab polling stations, which he claims is part of a pattern of election integrity violations. However, no official findings have been published confirming Tibi or his companions committed any election offenses. Feiglin also noted Tibi's visit to Qatar two days before the election, linking it to the polling station incident and foreign interference suspicions, though no evidence has yet connected Tibi to vote-buying or illegal funding.

Police stated that there is no investigative or intelligence basis for sweeping claims of election theft, and that election day saw fewer unusual incidents compared to previous elections. The Ra'am party also denied allegations of involvement and pledged cooperation with the investigation. While the Likud party is preparing legal action to disqualify results in certain polling stations, Feiglin's demand for a nationwide cancellation requires proof of defects that could have influenced the overall outcome, and the investigation is ongoing.