Blow for Netanyahu as Israeli election body rejects claims of Arab party fraud

Israeli electoral authorities on Wednesday rejected allegations promoted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of fraud by Arab parties, who could hold the key to removing him from power after a divisive vote.

President Isaac Herzog will at noon officially receive the results of the October 27 election as he decides whether to give Netanyahu or his rival, Gadi Eisenkot, the first chance to form a government, with neither commanding enough votes alone.

The Central Elections Committee said it had conducted an audit of 9,069 polling stations following complaints and was confident that the announced results “accurately reflect the will of the voters”.