By ANITA KNIGHT

Lapid Accuses Netanyahu Loyalists of Election Interference as Israel Awaits Final Results

ISRAELI opposition leader Yair Lapid has accused loyalists of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu within the security establishment of attempting to undermine the country’s parliamentary election.

In a statement posted on X late Tuesday, Lapid urged opposition parties to put aside their differences and move quickly towards forming a government.

He described the alleged actions as an attempt to undermine democracy and steal the election with the support of government loyalists inside the security establishment.

“What we are seeing tonight is an attempt to destroy democracy and steal the election with the help of government loyalists inside the security establishment,” he wrote.

Lapid also called the situation a direct threat to Israeli democracy. Furthermore, he urged state institutions to resist what he described as an effort by individuals unwilling to accept electoral defeat.

His comments followed reports by Israeli public broadcaster Kan that Shin Bet chief David Zini had sought to question three Arab party leaders over alleged foreign interference in the election.

However, law enforcement officials reportedly found no evidence to justify questioning the politicians.

Dispute over security investigation

The controversy also involved Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, who reportedly rejected Zini’s attempt to classify the inquiry as a security case.

According to Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, that classification would have granted the Shin Bet broader investigative powers.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s Likud party accused the attorney general of obstructing the investigation.

The competing positions have intensified political tensions as Israel prepares to release the final election results on Wednesday.

No bloc secures parliamentary majority

The vote count gave Netanyahu’s bloc 53 seats, while the opposition bloc led by figures including Eisenkot secured 48.

In addition, the two Arab party lists won a combined 19 seats. Consequently, neither of the two main blocs reached the 61 seats required to command a majority in the Knesset.

With the final results expected on Wednesday, President Isaac Herzog is scheduled to begin consultations with representatives of political parties on forming a new government.

The consultations, according to Israeli newspaper Maariv, will mark an important stage in the negotiations over the country’s next governing coalition.