Balad leader accuses Netanyahu and Likud of using a ‘racist blood libel’ to challenge Israel election results

Balad chairman Sami Abu Shehadeh accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies of constructing a “racist blood libel” against Arab citizens in an effort to delegitimize the results of Israel’s election.

“In any functioning democracy, those who lose an election take responsibility and go home,” Abu Shehadeh said.

“In Israel, the losing side fabricates a racist blood libel and calls on security agencies to use force to overturn the election results.”

He also attacked Netanyahu personally, saying: “Someone accused of bribery, fraud and breach of trust does not stop inciting against 20% of the state’s citizens.”

The remarks followed allegations from Likud and Netanyahu allies that foreign actors improperly funded efforts to increase Arab voter turnout, including claims involving Qatar and Türkiye.

Israel’s Central Elections Committee chairman Noam Sohlberg has asked Shin Bet chief David Zini to investigate suspicions of foreign funding and possible election bribery.

Abu Shehadeh accused Netanyahu’s camp of preparing the ground to reject the outcome after record Arab turnout helped Arab-led parties reach a projected 19 seats in the 120-member Knesset.

He warned against attempts to “steal the election or drag the country into another election” and told Netanyahu’s camp: “You lost. Go home.”

Qatar has denied interfering in the election, while Israeli police and election officials have said they have no evidence of systematic voting violations.