Qatar has denied allegations of interfering in Israel’s elections by funding efforts to influence Arab voters, accusing Israeli politicians of spreading misinformation to draw the country into domestic political disputes.
Majed Al Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, said Doha had no involvement in financing activities intended to influence the election outcome. He argued that Qatar was being used as a scapegoat for the political failures of Israeli leaders.
The denial comes as Israel’s domestic security agency, Shin Bet, investigates suspicions that foreign entities, potentially including Qatar and Turkey, provided funds to influence voting in Arab communities. The investigation reportedly followed a directive from Central Elections Committee chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg.
According to the reported election figures, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc secured around 53–54 seats, while the opposition led by Gadi Eisenkot was projected to win 48 seats. The 61 seats needed for a parliamentary majority were not attained by any side.
The allegations emerged amid increased participation among Arab voters, whose parties collectively secured 19 seats, according to the reported count.
Eisenkot expressed concern over suspected foreign involvement, describing it as a serious matter for Israel. Meanwhile, Qatar maintained that the accusations were part of a disinformation campaign.
The investigation is not expected to delay the announcement of the final election results, according to reports.