Israel live: opposition accuses Netanyahu of undermining results as he claims election ‘stolen’ by Arab parties

Why This Matters

Key context: <p>Yair Golan and Gadi Eisenkot respond to Likud party’s claim of foreign interference in election as count of absentee ballots continues</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/oct/28/israel-election-exit-polls-suggest-netanyahu-eisenkot-blocs-tied-ntwnfb">Full report: Coalition talks loom in Israel</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/oct/28/israel-elections-choice-netanyahu-remaining-power-or-palestinian-backed-coalition">Analysis: Israel’s choice: Netanyahu remaining in power or a Palestinian-backed coalition</a></p></li></ul><p><strong>Gadi Eisenkot,</strong> leader of the Yashar party and Benjamin Netanyahu’s main rival, has warned political opponents against exploiting allegations of foreign interference in Israel’s election to delay the swearing-in of the next Knesset.</p><p>In remarks reported by the Israel news website Ynet, Eisenkot said:</p><p>Israel must safeguard the integrity of the elections against any attempt at interference, spin and manipulation, and examine every complaint thoroughly. On the other hand, <strong>political actors must not be allowed to exploit the situation and affect the swearing-in date of the 26th Knesset.”</strong></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/oct/29/israel-election-results-live-updates-poll-netanyahu-eisenkot-bloc-coalition-latest-news">Continue reading...</a> This development from The Guardian highlights ongoing changes in the sector.