Israel has formally certified the results of its recent general election, a move that undermines right-wing assertions of a stolen vote. However, the significant electoral success of Palestinian-led parties has sparked a wave of aggressive police activity, including targeted raids and arbitrary arrests. The Joint List and the United Arab List, which represents Palestinian citizens of Israel, together secured a record 19 seats. This outcome could provide the opposition to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with the necessary leverage to form the next government if they choose to collaborate.
Netanyahu and his political allies have characterized the surge in support for these parties as the product of illegality, arguing that the representatives do not truly reflect the Jewish Israeli majority. Political analyst Mamoun Abu Amer described the subsequent backlash as a preplanned systematic campaign. He noted that the high voter turnout, particularly in rural areas, the Negev, and Bedouin regions, deeply unsettled the Israeli political establishment and prompted a smear offensive to discredit the democratic process.
Ahmad Tibi, leader of the Ta’al Party within the Joint List, echoed this view. He stated that there was no evidence of manipulation in Arab towns, as high turnout was anticipated due to the government's handling of public issues. Tibi cited a report from Channel 12 television suggesting that the Likud party had prepared a file before the election to claim fraud, knowing they were likely to lose.
The intimidation campaign became visible on election day through police actions reported by The Jerusalem Post. Several supporters of the United Arab List were arrested on allegations of vote-buying, a claim Likud used to assert an attempt to steal the election. However, many suspects were quickly released after a judge noted that suspicions had weakened and that investigators failed to justify the restrictions. Defense lawyers argued that seized funds were meant for charitable assistance. Tibi remarked that the quick release of detainees proved the initial claims were overstated.
The security crackdown extended beyond party activists to include media personnel. Abd Abu Shahadeh, a journalist and political activist, was detained on Tuesday night by police and the Shin Bet domestic security service. Sami Abu Shehadeh, chairman of the Balad Party, described this as an attempt by Netanyahu to steal the election results.
Human rights expert Mustafa Ibrahim argued that this approach is rooted in long-standing discriminatory state policies. He pointed to the treatment of Palestinians since the Nakba in 1948 and the subsequent period of military rule until 1966. Ibrahim stated that Palestinian citizens have historically been viewed as a fifth column and described as enemies of the state.
Tibi emphasized that the suppression of rights is part of a broader pattern that began on October 7, 2023. He noted that community members were summoned for investigation over social media posts. He also referenced the late September decision by the electoral committee to disqualify Palestinian-led parties, which was later overturned by the Supreme Court, as part of this intimidation campaign.
Political pressure has also engulfed state institutions. Shin Bet Director David Zini requested to interrogate senior lawmakers, including Tibi and United Arab List leader Mansour Abbas, regarding claims of foreign interference. Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara denied this request, leading to attacks from the Likud party. Abbas dismissed the allegations as an attempt to smear the Arab public, stating that he and his party members are prepared to appear before law enforcement if the process follows proper judicial channels.
Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has demanded the removal of the Attorney General, citing her past actions against him. Abu Amer viewed this as a systematic strategy by Netanyahu to avoid direct confrontation by utilizing figures like Ben-Gvir. Ibrahim highlighted that this incitement occurs against a backdrop of systemic racism, noting that over 190 people in Palestinian communities were killed this year in violence partly blamed on a lack of government funding and policing.
The Palestinian-led parties are now focused on using their increased parliamentary presence to address these issues and challenge the government. Tibi stated that while opposition parties previously resented the community's patriotism, they now fear its influence. He added that the immediate practical step is to overthrow the current government politically, followed by working to improve conditions for the community.
