Netanyahu Accused of 'Ugly' Smear Tactics as Israel Election Results Threaten His Grip on Power

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing sharp criticism after claiming that Arab Israeli parties used foreign backing to 'steal' Tuesday's election, in which his coalition lost its parliamentary majority. Netanyahu and his allies have called on the Shin Bet internal security service to investigate alleged vote buying and irregularities in Palestinian communities, supposedly funded by foreign money. Critics say the prime minister is resorting to 'ugly' smear tactics to cling to power. The election outcome has left Netanyahu's political future uncertain, with his bloc falling short of a majority and rival parties poised to form a government. The accusations against Arab parties have inflamed tensions and drawn condemnation from across the political spectrum, who see it as an attempt to delegitimize the vote. As coalition talks begin, the question remains whether Netanyahu can hold on or if Israel is heading for a new political era.