Türkiye and Qatar Deny Israeli Election Interference Claims

The Government of Türkiye and the government of Qatar have rejected allegations that they interfered in Israel's parliamentary elections. The dispute began on October 29 after reports emerged that Shin Bet, Israel's domestic security agency, was investigating whether foreign actors transferred funds to influence the turnout of Arab voters.

Following the election results, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Likud party alleged the election was "stolen," citing electoral fraud and foreign interference. Netanyahu's Likud-led bloc secured 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset, falling eight seats short of a majority, while the opposition won 48 seats and Arab-led parties secured 19. Netanyahu has ruled out cooperation with Arab-led parties, complicating the formation of a new government.

Türkiye's Communications Directorate’s Center for Countering Disinformation described the claims as "completely unfounded" and part of a "deliberate and overt disinformation campaign" intended to manipulate public opinion. Despite the allegations from Likud, the Central Elections Committee, the Israel Police, and Shin Bet reported they found no evidence of systematic violations or foreign influence that would alter the results. President Isaac Herzog is expected to receive the final results on November 4 to begin consultations on appointing a lawmaker to form the government.