Likud Claims Foreign Attempt to Control Knesset... 'Islamization of Israel'

Tensions are escalating in the Israeli campaign of incitement against the Arab voice within the Green Line, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s camp has intensified pressure on Arab party leaders. Through unsubstantiated allegations of receiving foreign funding, the camp seeks to curb the significant gains made by Arab parties in the elections, whose results remain unclear.

While Israeli President Isaac Herzog called for an investigation into allegations of electoral fraud, he warned against stigmatizing the entire Arab community in Israel, following their record-breaking electoral participation. Qatar categorically denied claims of interference in the elections or “funding any activities aimed at influencing their results,” emphasizing that “we are not a scapegoat for the political failures of some Israeli politicians.”

Netanyahu’s camp’s allegations, which have been rejected by one of the main Arab parties, could fuel uncertainty regarding the electoral process at a time when neither the Prime Minister nor the opposition bloc led by former Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot has secured a majority in the Knesset (61 seats).

In a statement, Netanyahu’s Likud party declared that the “Ra’am Gate scandal represents a political earthquake. The Israeli elections have been stolen.” It added, “This is an assault on democracy, aimed at enabling a foreign entity to control the Knesset, Islamize Israel, and overthrow the right-wing government.”

Government officials have not provided evidence to support accusations of Turkish and Qatari interference in the Knesset elections. Meanwhile, left-wing candidate Yair Golan accused Netanyahu of attempting to stir controversy after failing to secure a majority.

In Doha, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majid Al-Ansari stated on the “X” platform that Qatar “rejects the allegations promoted by some Israeli politicians and their affiliated media outlets.” He added, “We affirm that these baseless accusations combine absurdity and danger, revealing an excessive obsession with Qatar among Israeli circles.”

He pointed out the “contradictions in these allegations,” noting that they range from claims of buying Benjamin Netanyahu’s loyalty, to funding the Israeli left, and even influencing Arab voters’ ballots. Al-Ansari continued, “It would be more appropriate for them, rather than trying to divert attention toward us, to respond to their voters’ aspirations and address the consequences of their disastrous policies on the region.”

Collectively, Arab parties possess enough votes to enable the opposition bloc to reach the necessary majority. However, Eisenkot has expressed hesitation about taking such a step, particularly after Netanyahu warned his right-wing Jewish base that voting for the opposition would lead to Arab rule.

In response to allegations of external funding, Eisenkot said he is receiving briefings on developments and pledged to exercise “maximum vigilance” to prevent interference in the elections.

The police stated in a bulletin that it would investigate every complaint regarding the integrity of the elections.

Political forces within the Israeli opposition are moving within a framework of rapid tactical steps to rearrange parliamentary and governmental cards, with the aim of opening official investigations into the events of October 7, 2023, and repealing controversial legislation.

Kan, the Israeli public broadcaster, reported that leaders of what is known as the “Change Camp” are studying a swift plan to appoint opposition leader Yair Lapid as Speaker of the Knesset within the next two weeks.

According to the channel, this step serves as a procedural and political precursor aimed at approving the formation of an official committee to investigate the political and security failures surrounding the October 7 events, as well as repealing the “Judicial Change” laws pushed by the ruling right-wing coalition.

Nicosia (AFP) – Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed hope that peace talks would be held with Israel’s new government once it is formed.

Speaking during his meeting with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides in Nicosia, Abbas said, “We hope that the post-government formation phase will provide an opportunity to resume serious political dialogue, leading to the achievement of peace in accordance with the resolutions of international legitimacy,” according to the official Wafa News Agency.