MK Rothman: The Election Was Stolen, Unprecedented Bribery Reports

Jerusalem, 29 October, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Religious Zionism MK Simcha Rothman, chairman of the Knesset Constitution Committee and a member of the Central Elections Committee, alleged Thursday that unprecedented election bribery occurred in Arab communities during Tuesday’s vote.

“The result definitely constitutes election theft, plain and simple,” Rothman said, warning that he would not accept the results without a comprehensive investigation. He said he had contacted the elections committee, police, and Shin Bet.

Rothman cited reports of fuel vouchers allegedly distributed to voters at Arab polling stations, claiming the practice artificially inflated turnout. He pointed to communities where participation reportedly rose from 15% in previous elections to 90%.

Police and election officials reported no unusual pattern of violations and said complaints had fallen approximately 50% compared with 2022.