Yair Lapid, a leading political opponent of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has warned that Netanyahu’s allies are directly threatening to steal the election.
Al Jazeera reported early Wednesday, November 4, that Lapid’s remarks came as the head of Israel’s Shin Bet security agency seeks to question Palestinian-Israeli politicians over alleged foreign interference, reportedly without presenting evidence to prosecutors.
According to the report, Netanyahu’s camp has been accused of trying to delegitimize the election results following largely unsubstantiated claims that foreign interference manipulated votes for Arab parties that performed strongly.
“What we are witnessing tonight is an attempt to suppress democracy and steal the election with the help of government officials within the security establishment,” Lapid said.
He added that the actions posed a direct threat to democracy from people unwilling to accept defeat.
Meanwhile, Arab parties secured more seats in Israel’s recent election, strengthening their position within the country’s executive power structure.
