Israel: Election audit completed. But the dispute over the formation of a government continues

The Central Election Committee has now announced that the audit of the election has been completed and that there is “no evidence of irregularities affecting the integrity or result.” The committee investigated all complaints. “The official election results will be presented to the Israeli President today and will then be published in accordance with legal regulations,” the statement continues.

The Likud then accused Baharav-Miara of “tying the hands” of the secret service and preventing investigations into alleged election manipulation. The right-wing extremist Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also accused the Attorney General of trying to thwart the investigation into election fraud. The elections were “stolen,” he wrote on X.

The opposition reacted indignantly. Former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, who wants to replace Benjamin Netanyahu as head of government, wrote on X: "In their desperation, the Likud and Netanyahu are trying to start a pogrom against democracy and the rule of law. They are trying to drag us all into a dangerous national crisis.”

Opposition leader Yair Lapid spoke of a "direct threat to democracy from people who are not prepared to admit defeat." He called on the opposition to quickly form an alternative government.

No camp was able to win a clear majority in the Israeli parliamentary elections. Now it's up to President Herzog.