Israeli Journalist Slams Ruling Party's Election Fraud Claims

Prominent Israeli journalist Guy Peleg has launched a scathing critique against the ruling party's allegations of widespread fraud in the recent Knesset elections. Speaking on his program on Radio 103FM, Peleg dismissed claims of fraud within the Arab sector as a "manufactured perception campaign" designed to undermine the democratic process. He specifically targeted the Likud party's narrative, which attempts to frame the rise of Arab parties, projected to win 19 seats, as a criminal, organized effort requiring the disqualification of ballot boxes.

Peleg accused the party of orchestrating "influence operations" on election day, first by encouraging Arab voter turnout with the slogan "Arabs are streaming in," and then immediately following up with claims that "Arabs stole the elections via Qatar." He expressed astonishment at the boldness of these messages, questioning who conceived of such operations and how they could be implemented so brazenly.

These remarks come in direct response to accusations from senior Likud officials, including an official statement alleging that 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, citing claims of election bribery, cash envelopes found near Ra'am party ballots, threats to polling station staff, double entries behind the curtain, and the use of prohibited software to mobilize voters.

Peleg intensified his criticism, stating on his radio show that "our democracy and our country are under attack" and that the ruling party and its leader "refuse to accept the election results." He warned that "in this case, unfortunately, the reign of terror may not have been defeated."

Peleg, known for his investigative journalism and exclusive leaks, has frequently been at the center of public controversy. He recently faced backlash over his reporting on the "100 Force" incident at the Sde Teiman facility, where he broadcast security footage of a detainee being physically harmed. This publication sparked public outrage, accusations of biased reporting damaging to soldiers' reputations and the country's image, and led to multi-million shekel defamation lawsuits from soldiers of the unit.