Israel election commission rejects Netanyahu charges of fraud

Israeli electoral authorities rejected allegations of fraud promoted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday. The Central Elections Committee declared that the announced election results "accurately reflect the will of the voters" following an audit of 9,069 polling stations. Netanyahu has alleged fraud by Arab-majority parties, pointing to arrests and claiming lawmakers received money from Qatar.

Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara said she would not question anyone without evidence. Netanyahu's Likud party criticized the decision, alleging it was trying to obstruct an investigation into alleged manipulation of the electoral process by foreign actors. Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief, accused Likud of attempting a "pogrom against democracy."

A unity government might be difficult to form, with no party commanding enough votes alone. The Shin Bet's recent "outbursts" and the US midterm election results could eliminate any possibility of a unity government. President Isaac Herzog, carrying a largely ceremonial role, must decide between Netanyahu and Eisenkot to form a government.