Likud said already preparing to allege election was ‘stolen’ if Netanyahu loses

Likud party began preparing to challenge election results from Arab polling stations before voting opened, with operatives discussing the possibility of claiming the vote was 'stolen' if Netanyahu loses. The party sent thousands of activists to monitor Arab-majority areas, raising concerns from civil rights groups. Central Elections Committee says no evidence of widespread fraud.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party began preparing to challenge results from polling stations in Arab cities and towns before voting opened Tuesday morning. Hebrew news sites quoted Likud operatives saying the party has discussed the possibility of claiming the vote was 'stolen' if Netanyahu does not win. According to a Channel 12 news report, Likud was drawing up complaints and allegations of fraud for voting stations in Arab communities, including challenging women who vote fully veiled and allegations of segregated voting times. The party reportedly sent several thousand activists to monitor polling sites in Arab-majority areas. A Likud source told Haaretz that discussions were held around what to do in the event of a loss, with opinions expressed in favor of a 'the elections were stolen and rigged' campaign, similar to Donald Trump's 2020 allegations. Netanyahu was not personally involved in these discussions. Civil rights groups expressed concern over the plan, noting the activists have no formal role or authority. Central Elections Committee director general Dean Livne said there is no evidence of widespread fraud in Israeli elections.