IsraelBen GvirElection FraudShin BetQatar
Ben Gvir Orders Shin Bet to Arrest Arab Party Leaders Over Alleged Election Fraud
Published: October 30, 2026
Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir demanded the Shin Bet arrest Arab party leaders for alleged election fraud in the Knesset election, three days after the vote. He also called for those deemed disloyal to be barred from voting, a move that has drawn condemnation from opposition parties and may trigger legal challenges.
In a 45‑second clip posted Thursday night, Ben Gvir accused the Shin Bet of ignoring evidence of voter fraud and demanded an immediate investigation into alleged election theft—he cited surveillance footage of voters entering and exiting polling stations multiple times.
He also alleged that Qatari money funneled through Arab MPs, citing a meeting between Ahmad Tibi and Qatari officials days before the vote.
Opposition leaders blasted the clip as a political witch‑hunt, warning that disenfranchising voters could erode democratic norms. Yair Lapid said the move would backfire, while MK Eli Yishai warned it could spark unrest in Arab communities.
Civil‑rights groups and the Supreme Court have filed a petition to block any voter‑disenfranchisement law, arguing that the move violates the Constitution’s guarantee of equal voting rights. In Ra’anana, a local Arab resident said she fears losing her vote if the bill passes.
Tomorrow the Knesset will convene to debate a motion to launch a formal probe into the alleged fraud, and the outcome could set a precedent for future elections.