Netanyahu Alleges Foreign Funds Influenced Israel's Election

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has alleged foreign interference in Israel's election, claiming large sums from abroad influenced the results. He made the statement as the president began consultations to select a candidate to form a government. Netanyahu's Likud party won 27 Knesset seats, ahead of Yashar's 21, led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot. His coalition holds 53 of 120 seats, while the opposition has 48, both short of the 61-seat majority needed to govern. Netanyahu has expressed openness to forming a broad coalition but insists on remaining prime minister. He has ruled out partnering with two Arab Israeli parties, Ra'am and Joint List, which together hold 19 seats, calling them a threat.