Qatar Rejects 'Ridiculous' Interference Claims Amid Netanyahu's Doubts on Arab Vote Validity

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies are questioning the validity of a record Arab-Israeli voter turnout from Tuesday's elections. This comes after the Central Elections Committee requested an investigation into suspicions of foreign interference, including allegations of Qatari funding for Arab parties. Committee chairman Noam Sohlberg has asked the Shin Bet security agency to examine these "serious suspicions" of "hostile" foreign interference.

The elections are widely considered pivotal in the deeply divided country, with early indications pointing to a stalemate. Notably, at the time of the election, Shin Bet chief David Zini affirmed the integrity of the process, stating, "Voter turnout is high, and we can confidently tell the citizens of Israel that the elections are being monitored and conducted in a proper and inspiring manner."

Despite these assurances, Mr. Netanyahu and his coalition partners quickly alleged the elections were being "stolen" as high Arab voter turnout became evident. Opposition figures criticized this stance, arguing that casting doubt on high turnout undermines Israel's democratic credentials. Arab parties, which are staunchly opposed to Mr. Netanyahu's coalition, have faced significant challenges during his tenure, including violent crime, home demolitions, and racist incitement.

Police sources initially told Israeli outlet Haaretz that there were no signs of fraud and that the accusations were mere "spin." A later police statement confirmed that any suspicion of foul play would be "investigated thoroughly and impartially."

Arab parties issued a joint statement asserting, "We are done apologising and defending ourselves against vile lies and baseless accusations." They described the allegations as a "co-ordinated campaign, funded by elements within the Likud [Mr. Netanyahu’s party], which began many months ago with the goal of undermining the election results and damaging their legitimacy."

Qatar has vehemently denied any interference in Israel's elections, accusing Israeli politicians and media of a disinformation campaign to involve Doha in domestic disputes. Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari stated on X, "We categorically deny allegations that Qatar has interfered in Israeli elections or funded any activities intended to influence their outcome." He highlighted the absurdity of the claims, noting that Qatar has been accused of influencing various Israeli political factions, quipping, "If these claims were to be believed, Qatar would apparently own all of Israel." He characterized the accusations as "ridiculous and dangerous in equal measure."

Arab politicians condemned the reports as attempts to discredit their parties' electoral success, with two Arab parties projected to secure 19 seats based on over 93% of votes counted. Balad chairman Sami Abu Shehadeh commented, "Netanyahu and his partners are dangerous people who are constructing a narrative to justify refusing to accept the results of one of the most decisive elections this country has seen in decades." The Likud party alleged an "Islamisation of Israel" and urged Jewish opposition parties to avoid cooperating with Arab politicians. Itamar Ben-Gvir, the minister in charge of Israel’s police, suggested that heads of Arab parties "suspected of involvement in Qatari money" should be arrested.

The potential for Jewish opposition parties to ally with Arab parties could grant Mr. Netanyahu's opponents a majority to form a government, though many opposition parties have previously ruled out such cooperation. Opposition bloc leader Gadi Eisenkot emphasized the need to safeguard election integrity against interference, spin, or manipulation, while cautioning against exploiting the situation to delay the swearing-in of the 26th Knesset. Israeli President Isaac Herzog stressed that "The integrity of our elections is a supreme democratic value" and called for a thorough investigation and accountability for those responsible.

Yair Golan, leader of the left-wing Democrats party, accused Mr. Netanyahu of attempting to undermine the election results, stating on X, "Netanyahu suffered a crushing democratic defeat. The public fired him, and he refuses to accept the verdict of the voters."