Itamar Ben Gvir calls for arrest of Arab party leaders

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has called on the Shin Bet to arrest leaders of Arab-Israeli political parties. The demand follows unproven allegations that these parties received foreign funding from Qatar to influence recent election results.

Following the elections, where no single bloc secured a majority, Arab parties have gained significant influence and may act as kingmakers in coalition negotiations. Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot warned that these accusations could be used to manipulate or delay the installation of the 26th Knesset.

The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs has categorically denied the allegations, describing them as a disinformation campaign intended to use Qatar as a scapegoat for Israeli political failures. Meanwhile, Supreme Court Justice and Election Commission Chair Noam Sohlberg has instructed the Shin Bet to investigate whether any foreign funding or bribery occurred during the election process.