Israel Election Panel Rejects Netanyahu Fraud Claims as Coalition Talks Loom

Israel's Central Elections Committee dismissed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's allegations of electoral fraud by Arab-majority parties, stating an audit of 9,069 polling stations found no evidence of irregularities in the October 27 election. The committee confirmed the announced results "accurately reflect the will of the voters," following Netanyahu's claims of manipulation, including arrests of individuals with cash and allegations of Qatari foreign interference. Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara refused to question anyone without evidence, prompting Likud to accuse her of obstructing the investigation. Netanyahu faces a difficult path to form a government, as his bloc holds 53 seats versus rival Gadi Eisenkot's 48 in the 120-member parliament. Arab-majority parties, with 19 seats, could prove decisive, while President Isaac Herzog prepares to begin consultations on government formation.