After Election Result, Arab Front Hits Back At Netanyahu — Joint List Calls Fraud Claims Racist, Says ‘Stop Being Netanyahu’s Puppet’

JERUSALEM: After the Israeli election results showed Arab parties as kingmakers with a historic 19 seats, the Arab political front launched a direct counter-attack on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of trying to steal the election legitimacy.

Joint List Statement:

In a post on X, the Joint List (Hadash-Ta’al) led by Ayman Odeh and Ahmad Tibi said:

“We call on the heads of the opposition bloc to stop collaborating with Netanyahu’s vile lies and the racist Kahanists, to stop being a puppet on a string in Netanyahu’s hands, and to stop promoting his incitement campaign.”

 The alliance said: “We’ve finished apologizing and defending ourselves against vile lies and baseless accusations from elements in the right who refuse to come to terms with the election results. These racist accusations only highlight how much they fear the power of our public. This is a coordinated campaign, funded by elements in the Likud, that began many months ago, aimed at undermining the election results and damaging their legitimacy.”

Their Argument:

Historic Victory: Tibi said turnout above 65% in Arab towns gave Joint List 12 seats (Tibi called it “sweeping victory”)  without it, Netanyahu would have 61+ majority.

Direct Quote Odeh: “Without the Arab citizens, Netanyahu, Ben-Gvir, and Smotrich would already be celebrating today. But truth is simple: even Arab citizens alone cannot bring change, and even without us, it’s impossible to defeat them. Without a genuine and equal Jewish-Arab partnership, impossible to build a better future.”

Challenge To Eisenkot: Ahmad Tibi told Army Radio the opposition could unseat Netanyahu and form government “if it wants to, if it is brave enough” offering safety-net support from outside coalition, not necessarily joining government.

No Fraud: Acting CEC DG Dean Livne rejected Likud claims as baseless, President Herzog warned against stigmatizing Arab voters.

Background:

 Likud had alleged election was “stolen by Arab parties that support terrorism” via bribery, threats, violence, forgery and prohibited software, and accused Qatar of funding mobilization  claims Qatar called “ridiculous and dangerous” and scapegoating. Likud said it is sending hundreds of testimonies to Police, Shin Bet and CEC. No public evidence released yet.

 With 92% counted: Netanyahu bloc 53, Eisenkot bloc 48, Arab parties 19. Arab parties hold balance  opposition has 67 with them, Netanyahu cannot reach 61 without them.