Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's party has failed to secure a majority in the recent election. The final results indicate that Netanyahu's bloc has 53 seats, while the opposition, led by Gadi Eisenkot, has 48 seats, and the Arab parties have 19 seats.
This outcome puts Netanyahu's party at a disadvantage, as the opposition could potentially form a majority government by joining forces with the Arab parties. Netanyahu has alleged that foreign interference boosted the Arab vote, claiming that the election was "stolen" through various means, including bribery and violence.
He has posted evidence on social media and announced that his party will submit hundreds of testimonies and pieces of evidence to the authorities. An investigation into suspected Qatari and Turkish funding has been ordered by Israel's top election official.
The opposition leader, Eisenkot, has mocked Netanyahu's allegations, referencing accusations that the prime minister's former aides accepted money from Qatar. Eisenkot has called for an impartial and thorough investigation into the allegations, while also warning against waging an "illegitimate influence operation" on the public.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has cautioned against demonizing Arab Israeli voters, emphasizing the importance of respecting their right to participate in democracy. The election results still need to be certified and submitted to President Herzog.
The situation remains uncertain, with the possibility of the opposition forming a majority government hanging in the balance.