Netanyahu Accused of Leading Coup After Losing Knesset Election
Critics claim the Prime Minister is using the Shin Bet to challenge results after his bloc trailed the opposition in last week's vote.
By Sakura Novak ·
Israeli opposition leaders and commentators have accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of attempting a coup following his defeat in last week's election. The dispute centers on the role of the Shin Bet, Israel's domestic intelligence agency, which is currently investigating the vote amid allegations of fraud and foreign interference.
The election results showed the Netanyahu-led bloc trailing the opposition, a loss driven by a historic turnout among Palestinian citizens of Israel. The Ra’am and Joint List parties, led by Palestinian politicians, secured 19 seats in the Knesset. More than a week after the vote, Shin Bet chief David Zini is leading inquiries into the Palestinian vote, despite no public evidence supporting the claims of fraud or bribery.
On Tuesday, the Shin Bet arrested Middle East Eye contributor Abd Abu Shahadeh on security grounds. Zini also sought to question senior Palestinian political leaders Ahmad Tibi, Sami Abou Shahadeh, Mansour Abbas, and Ayman Odeh. Yair Golan, leader of the opposition Democrats party, warned on Wednesday that democracy was under threat. He stated that police were detaining activists without warrants and that the Shin Bet was questioning elected officials without evidence. Golan accused Netanyahu of trying to carry out a coup and seize power by force.
Former Prime Minister Yair Lapid made similar accusations on Tuesday, claiming Netanyahu was crushing democracy with the help of sleeper agents in the security establishment. Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the opposition bloc, described an organized attempt to sabotage democracy through incitement and the dismantling of law enforcement. Haaretz journalist Amos Harel wrote that the government was driving Israel into its most critical constitutional crisis, using tactics from dark regimes.
On Wednesday, the Central Elections Committee formally handed the results to President Isaac Herzog, dismissing allegations of widespread fraud. Meanwhile, a source familiar with the investigations told Ynet that the inquiries lacked basic evidence. The source said Zini had no clear understanding of his legal role and that investigating a Knesset member required more than speculation. Zini, who was appointed by Netanyahu last year, is a former army officer and settler in the Golan Heights with close ties to the settler movement.
According to Ynet, the Shin Bet examined over 1,000 fraud allegations, but none were found credible. Haaretz reported that only one investigation began before voting day, with the rest launched after the loss became clear. A law enforcement source told Channel 13 News that Zini was throwing out names without evidence, echoing Likud talking points. The source suggested Zini's position should be questioned if the investigations produce no results. Channel 12 News reported that Zini's deputy, who is close to Netanyahu, is directing the inquiries despite insufficient evidence for charges.
