Israel election sparks Qatar, Turkey funding allegations

Israel’s recent election has sparked allegations of foreign interference, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud Party accusing two Arab political parties of manipulating the vote with possible financial support from Qatar and Turkey.

Neither Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition nor the centrist alliance led by opposition figure Gadi Eisenkot secured the 61 seats required to form a government in the 120-member Knesset. Netanyahu’s bloc won 53 seats, while Eisenkot’s alliance secured 48.

As vote counting continued on Thursday (October 29), Likud alleged that the Arab parties, Joint List and United Arab List (Ra’am), had stolen the election with possible foreign assistance.

The allegations included claims of cash being distributed inside ballot envelopes, threats against polling officials, multiple voting and the use of prohibited software to mobilise voters.

Likud also called for a thorough investigation, alleging that the suspected interference aimed to establish foreign control over the Knesset and remove the right-wing government.

However, the party has not presented evidence to support its claims. Some Israeli media outlets have reported that Likud members suspect Qatar and Turkey of involvement.

Shin Bet launches investigation

Israel’s domestic intelligence agency, Shin Bet, has launched an investigation into suspected foreign interference following allegations of electoral fraud.

The move came after Central Elections Committee Chairman Noam Solberg called for an investigation into claims of foreign funding intended to influence the election.

However, Acting Director-General of the Central Elections Committee Dean Livne rejected allegations of widespread irregularities. In a letter on Thursday, he said the election had been conducted in accordance with the law and that claims of systematic violations lacked a basis.

Opposition rejects Likud claims

Eisenkot accused Likud of trying to delegitimise the election results because it had lost.

Arab parties also strongly rejected the allegations, describing claims of foreign funding, vote-buying and software manipulation as baseless and racist.

Opposition leader Yair Golan said Netanyahu had suffered a defeat through the democratic process but was refusing to accept the voters’ verdict.

Qatar and Turkey deny involvement

Qatar strongly rejected allegations of financing activities to influence Israel’s election.

Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said the country should not be made a scapegoat for the political failures of Israeli politicians.

Turkey also dismissed claims of interference as entirely baseless. Its Centre for Countering Disinformation described the allegations as part of a planned campaign to mislead public opinion.