Israel Certifies Election Results as Police Intensify Raids on Palestinian Leaders

Israel’s electoral authorities formally certified the results of the recent general election, a procedural step that undermines right-wing claims of a stolen vote. The certification follows a record electoral performance by Palestinian-led parties, which has triggered a sharp increase in police activity, including targeted raids and arrests of party figures.

The Joint List and the United Arab List, which represent Palestinian citizens of Israel, together secured 19 seats. This total could provide the opposition to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with the necessary leverage to form a new government if they choose to collaborate with other parties against the ruling coalition.

The backlash began before the polls closed. Political analyst Mamoun Abu Amer described the subsequent police actions as a preplanned systematic campaign. He noted that high voter turnout in rural areas, the Negev, and Bedouin regions unsettled the political establishment. Ahmad Tibi, leader of the Ta’al Party within the Joint List, said there was no evidence of manipulation in Arab towns. He cited a Channel 12 report suggesting the Likud party had prepared a fraud file before the election, knowing they were likely to lose.

Police actions became visible on election day when several supporters of the United Arab List were arrested on allegations of vote-buying. Likud used these arrests to assert an attempt to steal the election. Many suspects were quickly released after a judge noted that suspicions had weakened and that investigators failed to justify the restrictions. Defense lawyers argued that seized funds were meant for charitable assistance. Tibi remarked that the quick release of detainees proved the initial claims were overstated.

The security crackdown extended to media personnel and senior officials. Journalist and political activist Abd Abu Shahadeh was detained on Tuesday night by police and the Shin Bet domestic security service. Sami Abu Shehadeh, chairman of the Balad Party, described this as an attempt by Netanyahu to steal the election results. Shin Bet Director David Zini requested to interrogate senior lawmakers, including Tibi and United Arab List leader Mansour Abbas, regarding claims of foreign interference. Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara denied this request, leading to attacks from the Likud party.

Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has demanded the removal of the Attorney General, citing her past actions against him. Human rights expert Mustafa Ibrahim highlighted that this incitement occurs against a backdrop of systemic racism. He noted that over 190 people in Palestinian communities were killed this year in violence partly blamed on a lack of government funding and policing. Tibi stated that the immediate practical step for the opposition is to overthrow the current government politically, followed by working to improve conditions for the community.