'Arab parties hijacked election'; Shin Bet to probe foreign interference allegation

JERUSALEM: With 90 per cent of the votes counted in the Israeli general election, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Likud alliance is leading with 53 seats, though failing short of securing an absolute majority. The opposition alliance, led by former army chief Eisenkot, won 48 seats. With Arab parties emerging kingmaker securing 19 seats, Netanyahu alleged them of "hijacking" the election.

The Election Commission ordered an investigation into Netanyahu's allegation of foreign interference in the election, directing the Israeli intelligence agency, Shin Bet, to conduct the probe and submit a report within one week.

Reports also indicate that security agencies have launched an investigation into the possibility that organisations encouraging Arab citizens to vote have received foreign funding.