Ben-Gvir calls for arrest of Arab party heads amid Qatar-linked election interference claims

OCTOBER 29, 2026 10:41Updated: OCTOBER 29, 2026 10:43National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has called for the arrest of Arab party leaders after the Central Elections Committee called on the Shin Bet to investigate allegations of foreign interference in Israel's election."The Shin Bet should order the arrest of the leaders of the Arab parties suspected of involvement with Qatari funds as early as this morning, along with all other suspects in the case, including figures within the Muslim Brotherhood and their offshoots, provided there is a legal basis for their arrest," said Ben-Gvir.Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot said he is in contact with the relevant officials about the situation."The State of Israel must do everything in its power to protect the integrity of the elections against any attempt at interference, political spin, or manipulation, and thoroughly investigate every complaint," a spokesperson for Eisenkot wrote in a statement."At the same time, political actors must not be allowed to exploit the situation to influence the date of the swearing-in of the 26th Knesset."This is a developing story.Follow us on Google