Netanyahu Loses Majority as Likud Claims Israeli Election Was ‘Stolen’

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a major political setback after losing his parliamentary majority. His Likud party is now challenging the results of Israel’s October 27 election. The final count gave Netanyahu’s bloc just 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset. Opposition parties secured 48 seats, while Arab-led parties won the remaining 19. This leaves Netanyahu’s bloc well short of the 61 seats needed for a majority. The results are complete and are due to reach President Isaac Herzog on November 4.

Likud has accused Arab-led parties of stealing the election with possible foreign assistance. The party says it has submitted testimonies and other material supporting its allegations. However, it has not publicly substantiated claims of widespread election fraud. The Central Elections Committee has also rejected allegations of systematic violations as baseless. Meanwhile, Netanyahu remains in office as rival parties consider their coalition options. Critics say losing office could expose him to corruption allegations and trigger an inquiry into October 7.

Shin Bet Investigation Into Foreign Interference Intensifies Israel’s Election Dispute

The controversy escalated after Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg raised concerns about possible foreign interference. Sohlberg chairs Israel’s Central Elections Committee and referred the suspicions to the Shin Bet. He said serious concerns had reached him but acknowledged he could not verify them. He therefore asked the security agency to investigate and establish whether evidence supported them. The inquiry examines suspected foreign funding intended to influence Arab voter turnout. Some Israeli media reports have mentioned Qatar and Turkey in connection with these suspicions. However, Sohlberg’s letter did not identify any country or political party. No findings establishing foreign interference have been announced.

Likud quickly seized on the investigation to reinforce its election fraud allegations. The party declared that the election had been stolen and alleged foreign-backed efforts. It also called for investigations into suspected bribery, threats and voting irregularities. However, election officials have rejected claims of systematic violations of election integrity. Acting committee director-general Dean Livne said the elections were conducted lawfully. He also stressed that the investigation would not change the final results. The Shin Bet confirmed that its inquiry began with intelligence collected independently. It also stressed that the suspicions do not implicate Arab voters as a whole. Qatar has denied involvement in efforts to influence the election.

Eisenkot and Arab-Led Parties Hold the Key to Israel’s Next Government

Netanyahu’s rivals have accused Likud of undermining the election results. Gadi Eisenkot, the Yashar leader heading the main opposition bloc, calls Likud’s response an organized campaign. He also sarcastically welcomed Netanyahu’s sudden condemnation of alleged Qatari involvement. Yair Lapid, the formal opposition leader, has defended the results. President Isaac Herzog warned against blaming an entire community. Opposition and Arab-led parties together secured 67 seats, above the 61 needed for a majority. However, a governing coalition remains politically difficult.

Arab parties have rarely joined governments, and Netanyahu has suggested relying on them would be treasonous. Eisenkot is open to cooperation, with conditions. Ahmad Tibi of the Joint List has indicated support for the opposition bloc’s candidate for Knesset speaker. If coalition talks fail, Israel could face another election early next year. Ultimately, Netanyahu’s loss of a parliamentary majority has created uncertainty over Israel’s political future. The Shin Bet probe and certification will shape the next stage. Coalition talks will determine whether his rivals can assemble a governing majority. For Netanyahu, critics say losing office could bring legal and political challenges. How leaders handle this dispute will matter beyond the current election.

Web resources on Israeli elections 2026

1. PBS News : Netanyahu’s party claims Israeli election ‘stolen’ as results show him losing majority.
2. Jerusalem Post : Eisenkot accuses Netanyahu of attempting to delegitimize election results.
3. AcademicBlock : Israel Election 2026: Can Netanyahu Hold on to Power?
4. AcademicBlock : Netanyahu Risks Losing Power as He Steps Up Attacks on Arab Parties.
5. i24 News : Eisenkot accuses Netanyahu of delegitimizing election results amid Shin Bet probe.