# Israel pressures Arab parties as Netanyahu seeks government

> Netanyahu's bloc accuses Arab leaders of foreign funding amid election uncertainty.
- Title: Israel pressures Arab parties as Netanyahu seeks government
- Summary: Netanyahu's bloc accuses Arab leaders of foreign funding amid election uncertainty.
- Keywords: netanyahu, arab parties, israeli election, knesset, qatar, election fraud, israeli arab community, gadi einsock, shin bet, raam party, yair golan, israeli security
- Source: Dawn — https://dawn.com/news/2040722/israel-piles-pressure-on-arab-parties-as-netanyahu-seeks-government
- Author: AFP
- Published: 2026-10-29T12:42:11+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: netanyahu, arab parties, israeli election, knesset, qatar, election fraud, israeli arab community, gadi einsock, shin bet, raam party, yair golan, israeli security
## Netanyahu's bloc pressures Arab leaders
Netanyahu's bloc accused Israeli Arab parties of unproven foreign funding to weaken potential government allies.

> Netanyahu's Likud party said the Raamgate scandal is a political earthquake. Israel's elections have been stolen!
## Election results near completion
With 93% of votes counted, Netanyahu's bloc holds 53 seats while opposition leader Eisenkot has 48 seats.
## Arab parties gain significant support
Arab parties together hold 19 seats, enough to challenge Netanyahu's bloc for government formation.
## Qatar denies election interference
Qatar's foreign ministry rejected accusations of funding Israeli election campaigns or influencing results.

> We categorically deny allegations that Qatar has interfered in Israeli elections or funded any activities intended to influence their outcome
## Netanyahu's allegations face criticism
Left-wing candidate Yair Golan accused Netanyahu of attempting to discredit election results through controversy.

> Now he is trying to challenge the election results through an ugly delegitimisation campaign against the will of the people
## Eisenkot's response to allegations
Eisenkot promised vigilance against election interference but warned against political actors exploiting the situation.

> On the other hand, we cannot allow political actors to exploit the situation and influence the timing of the inauguration of the 26th Knesset
## Netanyahu's political history
Netanyahu has led Israel on and off for more than 19 years, known as a wily political operator.
## Iran threat looms
Netanyahu threatens military action against Iran as US President Trump signals readiness to attack after midterms.
## Palestinian peace hopes
Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas hopes new Israeli government will resume peace talks with Israel.

> For many years now, we have been extending a hand to the Israeli side in order to achieve peace with them
## Arab community voting surge
Israeli Arab community saw unprecedented voting participation amid calls to treat them like Palestinians in Gaza.
## Ben Gvir's call for arrests
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir urged immediate arrests of Arab party leaders.

> immediately order the arrests of Arab party leaders
## Raam party response
Raam party leader Mansour Abbas welcomed investigation but denied connection to allegations.

> my party has no connection with the accusations
## Central Election Commission
Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg requested Shin Bet investigation into Raam party's alleged Qatar funding.

> The Raamgate scandal is a political earthquake. Israel's elections have been stolen!
## Netanyahu's past allegations
Netanyahu has faced Qatar-related allegations since last year after two aides were arrested.
## Next steps for government
President Herzog will decide who gets first chance to form government after official results.
## Key takeaway

Netanyahu's Likud party accused Arab parties of foreign funding, risking government formation after inconclusive Israeli election.