Shin Bet Leads Election Fraud Probe After Netanyahu Defeat

Israeli opposition leaders have accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of attempting a coup after his bloc lost last week's general election. The dispute centers on investigations launched by the Shin Bet, Israel's domestic intelligence agency, into votes cast by Palestinian citizens of Israel. Critics argue the agency is being used to undermine the official count and keep Netanyahu in power.

The election marked a sharp shift in political dynamics. Turnout among Palestinian citizens of Israel was historically high. This surge helped parties Ra'am and the Joint List secure 19 seats in the Knesset. Netanyahu's bloc trailed the opposition in initial counts, a result that has since triggered a series of security inquiries.

Tensions rose this week when the Shin Bet arrested Middle East Eye contributor Abd Abu Shahadeh. Authorities cited a security-related investigation for the detention. Reports indicate that Shin Bet chief David Zini also plans to question senior Palestinian political leaders. The list includes Ahmad Tibi, Sami Abou Shahadeh, Mansour Abbas, and Ayman Odeh. No concrete evidence of fraud, bribery, or foreign interference has been made public.

Yair Golan, leader of the opposition Democrats party, warned on Wednesday that Israeli democracy faces a threat. He stated that police are detaining activists without warrants while the Shin Bet questions elected officials without presenting evidence. Golan accused Netanyahu of seizing power by force. Former Prime Minister Yair Lapid made similar claims on Tuesday. He suggested Netanyahu was using sleeper agents within the security establishment to steal the elections.

Gadi Eisenkot, who leads the opposition bloc, described the situation as an organized effort to sabotage democracy. He pointed to incitement against minorities and the dismantling of law enforcement agencies. Journalists have also joined the criticism. Haaretz journalist Amos Harel called the actions a regime coup. He noted that the government is driving the country into a severe constitutional crisis.

On Wednesday, Israel's Central Elections Committee formally handed the results to President Isaac Herzog. The committee dismissed claims of widespread fraud. Despite this, the Shin Bet continued its work. A source familiar with the inquiries told Ynet that the investigations lacked basic evidence. The source said Zini appeared unsure of his legal role. The source added that investigating a Knesset member requires more than speculation.

Ynet reported that over 1,000 allegations of election fraud were examined. None were found to be credible. Haaretz noted that only one investigation began before voting day. The remaining inquiries started after it became clear that Netanyahu's bloc had lost. A law enforcement source told Channel 13 News that Zini was throwing out names without evidence. Channel 12 News reported that a deputy close to Netanyahu is directing the inquiries despite doubts about the evidence.