Likud accuses Arab-led parties of election theft as Israel counts votes; Qatar denies meddling

Summary

Israel's election count was well advanced when Hindustan Times reported that all votes had been counted, with its live coverage citing 53 seats for Netanyahu's bloc, 48 for the opposition and 19 for Arab parties. Likud has accused Arab-led parties of 'stealing' the election through alleged fraud and voter intimidation, and Ra'am and the Joint List rejected the allegations. Qatar denied meddling in the election or funding influence efforts, and Al Jazeera reported that its Foreign Ministry spokesman rejected 'disinformation' amid allegations by some Israelis of voting interference. Deutsche Welle reported that Likud claims large-scale foreign involvement led by Qatar and Turkey, and that Israel's authorities have so far refuted those claims. Hindustan Times also reported severe flooding in southern Israel that led the military to fly dozens of ballot boxes by air to the Knesset in Jerusalem.

Timeline

1. Hindustan Times

   29 Oct 2026, 01:51 UTCSource ↗

   Hindustan Times reports that Likud accused Arab-led parties of stealing the election through alleged fraud and voter intimidation, that Qatar denied meddling or funding influence efforts, and that Ra'am and the Joint List rejected the allegations.

2. Al Jazeera

   29 Oct 2026, 15:35 UTCSource ↗

   Al Jazeera reports that Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman rejected 'disinformation' amid allegations by some Israelis of voting interference.

3. Deutsche Welle

   29 Oct 2026, 17:32 UTCSource ↗

   Deutsche Welle reports that Netanyahu's Likud claims large-scale foreign involvement in the elections led by Qatar and Turkey, and that Israel's authorities so far refute the claims.