Israel Election Commission Says Vote Stands Despite Fraud Claims
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Israel's election commission reported that its review found no evidence of fraud in the recent parliamentary election, rejecting claims of wrongdoing raised by the prime minister and his supporters. The certified results leave Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc short of a majority and set up tense coalition talks.
Israel's election commission announced Wednesday that its review of last week's parliamentary vote uncovered no fraud or irregularities that would have altered the results. The committee said it investigated every complaint carefully and individually, concluding that the election's integrity stood firm and that the results accurately reflect voters' decisions.
Acting director Dean Livne emphasized that the findings confirm the certified results, which show Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's religious-nationalist bloc losing its parliamentary majority while Arab-led parties gained seats.
A spokesperson for the elections committee noted that a separate Shin Bet inquiry into possible foreign interference remains ongoing.
Following certification, President Isaac Herzog will meet with representatives of the elected parties. After two days of consultations, he is expected to task either Netanyahu or opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot with forming a coalition government. Neither bloc currently holds a majority, leaving open the prospect of a coalition between the rivals, a partnership with Arab-led parties, or a new election early next year.