Eisenkot accuses Netanyahu of 'pogrom against democracy'

Israeli opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot has accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of a "pogrom against democracy" after the attorney general raised doubts about the impartiality of the Shin Bet's investigation into suspected election fraud involving Arab parties. "Members of the security services, law enforcement and public administration in Israel serve the state, not its leader. In their desperation, the Likud and Netanyahu are attempting to perpetrate a veritable pogrom against democracy and the rule of law. They are trying to drag us all into a dangerous constitutional crisis," he wrote on X.

The statement comes after Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara said that "under the rule of law, it is impossible to interrogate citizens or elected officials without justifying evidence. If the Shin Bet or any other body has evidence that warrants an investigation, it is free to present it." This evening the i24News broadcaster reported that the head of the Shin Bet is seeking to question four Arab politicians in relation to the fraud allegations, but has not provided prosecutors with any evidence in this regard.