Netanyahu warns of left-wing riot risk ahead of Israeli Knesset election

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed concern that riots by "left-wing anarchists" could harm Tuesday's Knesset elections during a meeting with far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Police Commissioner Daniel Levi, according to sources cited by Haaretz. The meeting occurred despite Central Elections Committee head Noam Sohlberg approving it only on condition that participants not discuss election integrity. Senior law enforcement officials told Haaretz that Sohlberg was "deceived" and should be more vigilant. The committee head, also a Supreme Court deputy president, overruled government legal adviser Gali Baharav-Miara's objection. Israeli voters head to polls Tuesday in elections seen as pivotal for Netanyahu, 76, who faces corruption charges. Police plan to deploy 22,000 officers, about 5,000 more than previously. Polls show the opposition bloc leading but without a majority, as both camps refuse alliances with Arab parties to reach the 61-seat threshold.