Israeli President Herzog condemns racism against Arab citizens after election theft accusations

Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned “rude and racist expressions” against Arab citizens as he received the official Knesset election results, days after Netanyahu’s camp accused Arab lists of fraud and Itamar Ben-Gvir called for their leaders to be arrested.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Wednesday condemned what he called “the rude and racist expressions we have heard recently” against Arab citizens, stressing that “there is no place for them toward any group in Israel.” He made the remarks at the presidential residence in Jerusalem after formally receiving the final results of the 26th Knesset election from Central Elections Committee Chairman Judge Noam Solberg.

Herzog said he held “great respect” for Arab society and appreciated its contributions to various areas of life and its desire to integrate. He warned against insulting an entire community or making generalizations because of ongoing investigations into alleged fraud. At the same time, he expressed “complete confidence” in the Shin Bet and police as they investigate suspected foreign interference, revealing that he had spoken that morning with Shin Bet chief David Zini and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, amid reports of sharp disagreements between them over the investigation.

Herzog and Judge Solberg review the election results document at the presidential residence

From “they stole the election” to calls for arrests

Herzog did not name anyone, but his remarks came after a campaign led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s camp against the Arab lists, which won a combined 19 seats—a record—in the October 27 election. Netanyahu accused Qatar of financing covert efforts to increase turnout in Arab society, while the Likud party issued a statement saying: “They stole the election in Israel,” referring to an external effort to “Islamize Israel,” according to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir went further, saying on October 29 that the Shin Bet should order the arrest of the heads of the Arab parties “starting this morning.” Al-Modon newspaper cited a Haaretz investigation as saying that Netanyahu published 146 posts on election day, including 72 about voting in Arab society.

United Arab List leader Mansour Abbas casts his ballot in al-Mughar on October 27

Election Committee: No evidence of fraud

In contrast, the Central Elections Committee approved the results after reviewing the records of 9,069 polling stations without finding violations affecting the integrity or outcome of the process. Solberg stressed that the election results were “binding on all of us.” Qatar denied the accusations, calling them “ridiculous and dangerous,” while United Arab List leader Mansour Abbas said his party had “absolutely nothing to do” with the matter and announced its full cooperation with law enforcement agencies.

Arab citizens make up more than 20 percent of Israel’s population, according to the Associated Press. The two Arab lists received more than 800,000 votes, an increase of more than 60 percent compared with the 2022 election, according to Central Elections Committee figures. Herzog will begin two days of consultations with parliamentary factions before tasking a candidate with forming the government, urging the parties to recognize that “not every commitment and promise can be fulfilled” in order to avoid another election.

Photos: Reuters, Israeli Government Press Office

Israeli President Herzog condemns racism against Arab citizens after election theft accusations