Israel election panel rejects Netanyahu fraud claims as president begins coalition talks

Israeli electoral authorities on Wednesday rejected Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's allegations of fraud by Arab parties, confirming the October 27 election results accurately reflect voters' will. President Isaac Herzog will begin consultations to decide whether Netanyahu or rival Gadi Eisenkot gets the first chance to form a government. The Central Elections Committee audited 9,069 polling stations and found no findings indicating harm to election integrity. Netanyahu has alleged fraud and foreign interference, while Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara refused to question anyone without evidence. Eisenkot accused Likud of attempting a "pogrom against democracy." Neither Netanyahu nor Eisenkot holds the 61 seats needed for a majority, with Netanyahu's bloc at 53 and Eisenkot's at 48. Arab-majority parties surged to 19 seats and could be key to forming a government. Netanyahu faces corruption charges and risks losing immunity if he loses power.