Netanyahu claims Arab parties stole the Knesset elections

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday claimed that Arab parties had "stolen" the elections through widespread fraud after his own bloc failed to secure a majority.

"The elections in the State of Israel were stolen by Arab parties that support terrorism and the elimination of the Jewish state through serious criminal offenses of bribery, threats, violence, forgeries, and the use of prohibited software to mobilize voters," he posted on X.

Arab parties have never formed a government in Israel, though some have participated in coalitions. The success of Arab parties in this week's elections, however, has made it nearly impossible for the main Israeli blocs to secure majorities without either including them or reaching across the aisle.

But Netanyahu, at least, appears unwilling to work with the Arabs and has called for investigations into the election results.

"This is a serious blow to Israeli democracy and the voting rights of Israeli citizens. The law enforcement agencies must act with an iron fist and in an immediate manner," he added.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.