Jerusalem:Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, has accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Likud party of attempting to delegitimize the results of Israel's parliamentary election. Eisenkot made these allegations on Monday, asserting that Netanyahu and Likud are engaged in a campaign to undermine the Central Elections Committee.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Eisenkot described the actions of Netanyahu and Likud as a destructive and violent attack aimed at discrediting the election outcomes. He emphasized the danger posed by Netanyahu and Likud's continued hold on power, noting that their efforts reflect an attempt to avoid acknowledging their electoral defeat.

Eisenkot further claimed that the attacks serve as a shelter for those unwilling to accept the reality of their losses. He criticized the Likud party for their habitual disregard for limits and constraints, suggesting that such behavior was no longer acceptable.

The controversy intensified following Likud's request for an urgent meeting with the Central Elections Committee to discuss alleged foreign interference in the election process. Despite these allegations, committee chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg confirmed that the election results would be published as planned.

Netanyahu and his right-wing allies have raised concerns about potential fraud and manipulation in the Arab community's voting. This dispute coincides with President Isaac Herzog's scheduled consultations with parliamentary factions, slated to begin Wednesday, to determine which lawmaker will be tasked with forming a government.

Netanyahu's bloc secured 53 seats in the Knesset, while Jewish opposition parties won 48 seats, and Arab parties garnered 19 seats. Eisenkot has received backing from the 48 opposition lawmakers, with additional recommendations expected from the Arab lists, potentially increasing his total support to 67.

Although Eisenkot may receive the mandate to form a government, it remains uncertain whether he will be able to assemble a governing coalition. Under Israeli law, the designated lawmaker has 28 days to form a government, with a possible extension granted by the president for up to 14 additional days.