The Radical Reading Room

Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot has accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of orchestrating an organized campaign to delegitimize the results of Israel's recent Knesset election. Eisenkot, head of the Yashar party, stated that Netanyahu and Likud had prepared pre-election statements, which he claims undermine the legitimacy of the outcome. He vowed to ensure the swearing-in of the new Knesset proceeds without delay, asserting that such political maneuvers are over.

The allegations come amid a Shin Bet investigation into suspected foreign interference, with the agency examining whether Qatar and Turkey funneled funds to influence Arab voter turnout. Qatar’s foreign ministry has denied all claims, accusing Israeli figures of spreading disinformation.

Final election results show Netanyahu’s bloc won 53 seats, while Eisenkot’s bloc secured 48, and Arab parties collectively won 19 seats—marking a significant shift. The Joint List and Ra'am parties, which gained strong support, have positioned themselves as potential kingmakers in coalition negotiations.

Eisenkot met with Shin Bet and Central Elections Committee officials, emphasizing the need for a neutral investigation and warning against political interference in the probe.