Netanyahu calls for broad Zionist government after Israeli election

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Wednesday for a broad national government under his leadership, open to all Zionist parties, while repeating serious suspicions of foreign interference in last week's parliamentary elections. The Central Elections Committee stated no evidence of irregularities undermining the vote's integrity was found. Netanyahu and his Likud party have claimed Israeli Arab political parties used Qatari funds to mobilize Arab voters, who secured a record 19 seats in the 120-seat Knesset. The premier accused opposition parties of cooperating with Arab factions, which he labeled "forces of radical Islam" seeking to destroy Israel's "Jewish identity." President Isaac Herzog condemned racist attacks against the Arab minority upon receiving official results. The Shin Bet security service is investigating the foreign interference claims but faces criticism, with Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara demanding updates, stating citizens cannot be interrogated without justifying evidence.