Mossad Joins Probe Into Foreign Election Interference Claims

The Mossad, Israel’s foreign intelligence agency, is joining a probe into alleged election interference, with Qatar and Turkey under scrutiny, reports say. The inquiry began after the Shin Bet, Israel’s domestic security service, was asked to examine suspected foreign influence. The election left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc with 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset, far short of the 61 needed to govern. ^1,5

Those 53 seats compare with 48 for the main opposition bloc and 19 for Arab-led parties, leaving no camp with a majority. The Central Elections Committee chair asked the Shin Bet to investigate suspected improper foreign funding, while Mossad will examine questions involving foreign governments. Qatar has denied interfering. Israel’s election officials say there is no basis for claims of widespread damage to the vote. The Shin Bet has warned that a limited probe should not be used to cast doubt on Arab citizens who voted legally. ^1,5,9

Those 19 Arab-led seats could help decide who forms the next government, but working together remains politically difficult. Opposition leader Yair Lapid says Netanyahu has no path to power, while Netanyahu has said it is “forbidden” to form a government with Arab parties. Arab leaders accuse Netanyahu and his allies of trying to discredit their voters after record participation. Likud has alleged the election was stolen, but police and election officials say they have found no evidence of widespread fraud. ^3,6,10

That political deadlock now shifts to coalition talks, where opposition parties would need support from Arab lawmakers or another way to reach 61 seats. Netanyahu’s bloc may also face uncertainty over whether ultra-Orthodox parties will stay aligned with him. Final results are due to President Isaac Herzog on November 4, and the new Knesset is set to be sworn in on November 10. If no candidate can form a government, another election could follow early next year. ¹