In brief
Israel’s elections commission affirmed that the 2026 parliamentary results stand, citing no evidence of interference. Netanyahu denied the results and called the vote stolen by Arab‑led parties, while President Isaac Herzog pledged a review and a new committee. Police later released activists linked to the Ra’am party, who were alleged to have been involved in voter bribery.
The head of Israel’s Central Elections Committee confirmed that the outcomes of the country's June 2 elections will remain valid, even if claims of foreign interference are proven. This statement was made during a video interview in which Noam Sohlberg appeared alongside the head of the Shin Bet and the attorney general.
Noam Sohlberg said,
"Our position is that even if the suspicions are substantiated, this would not undermine the integrity of the electoral process or the election results as a whole,"stressing that the election process remains intact.
Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu immediately challenged the results, accusing the Arab‑led parties that gained seats of “stole” the vote and allegedly used funding from Qatar. He added,
"It is a disgrace that Arab parties would sabotage Israel’s political system,"according to a report by the Associated Press.
Later that day, Israeli police released two of the three activists who had been arrested before the polls opened. The suspects were carrying envelopes of cash, police said, and were reportedly linked to the Ra’am party, which won eight seats. One was released on unspecified conditions and another was ordered to remain on house arrest.
In response to the accusations, President Isaac Herzog pledged that officials would collect evidence and review allegations, announcing a new parliamentary committee to investigate the claims of interference. His statement was covered by the Associated Press, which also noted that the Israeli government would implement additional safeguards to protect future elections.
German officials have adopted a cautious stance on the election outcome, waiting to see who will form the next Israeli coalition. Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the need for stability and diplomatic engagement amid the country’s internal fragmentation, reflecting Germany’s measured approach to Middle East policy.
