Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, that there are serious suspicions regarding foreign interference in the recent Israeli elections. The Prime Minister made these remarks following a resounding defeat for his Likud party in the vote. He outlined his concerns in a video message posted to social media, asserting that external forces played a significant role in shaping the outcome.
In the statement, Netanyahu claimed that foreign states had spent considerable sums of money to influence the election results. He emphasized the need to uncover the full truth of the matter without delay or revision. The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of maintaining the purity of the electoral process as a fundamental pillar of democracy.
Netanyahu also addressed the broader geopolitical landscape, blaming what he described as extremist Islam for tearing apart countries across Europe. He argued that this challenge threatens Israel from both the outside, through Iran and its allies, and from the inside, through Islamist parties. He noted that these parties often deny the existence of a Jewish state and undermine the country's ability to defend itself.
The Prime Minister questioned which type of government is best equipped to handle such threats. He suggested that a government dependent on Islamist parties would struggle to confront the challenge. He pointed to statements made by representatives of these parties, who he said openly describe being a martyr as the highest honor and refer to Hamas as a charity organization. He added that these parties dedicate their electoral achievements to prisoners in Israel's jails.
Netanyahu argued that a government relying on such partners would not only fail to fight Israel's enemies but would also dismantle the country from within. He proposed an alternative: a broad national government led by Likud under his leadership. He stated that this government would include all components of the national bloc and any Zionist parties willing to join. He mentioned that he had proposed this coalition during the election campaign and reiterated the offer two days prior to his Wednesday statement.
The Prime Minister criticized leaders of the left bloc for pushing aside the option of a broad national government. He accused them of focusing on forming a narrow minority government that relies on supporters of terrorism. He claimed they declare impossible conditions on every stage to preemptively thwart the formation of a broad coalition, prioritizing their political interests over national interests.
The political developments come as Israel's President Isaac Herzog begins consultations with party leaders to form the next government. Herzog's role in this process is crucial, as he must determine which party or coalition has the best chance of securing a majority in the Knesset. The outcome of these talks will shape the direction of Israel's policy in the coming years.
Regarding the investigation into the alleged interference, Netanyahu noted that the chairman of the Elections Committee, Judge Solberg, has ordered the Shin Bet to open a security investigation. He stated that Solberg determined all obstacles to this investigation should be removed. The Prime Minister expressed agreement with this decision, emphasizing the need to reach the full truth without smoothing over details or postponing the process.
Netanyahu concluded by stating that the integrity of the elections must be preserved to protect the state. He called for a thorough examination of the suspicions to ensure that the democratic process remains robust. The coming weeks are expected to be critical as political negotiations intensify and the investigation into foreign influence progresses.
