Netanyahu accused of smear tactics after claiming Arab parties used foreign backing to steal election

■ Steady

Israel's election leaves no clear winner as Netanyahu alleges Arab parties stole the vote

With over 90% of ballots counted, Netanyahu's bloc has 53 seats and the opposition 67, including 48 for Eisenkot's centrist bloc and 19 for Arab-majority parties. On Thursday Netanyahu claimed Arab parties used foreign backing to steal the election, and he and allies urged Shin Bet to investigate. Critics accused him of smear tactics. President Herzog urged parties to form a coalition and avoid new elections.

• Israel's Central Elections Committee asked the Shin Bet chief to investigate alleged foreign interference, including suspected Qatar-linked funding and bribery.
• Most Jewish opposition parties rule out governing with Arab-led parties, which could let Netanyahu stay in office.
• Official results are due on November 4.
• Netanyahu has called a coalition with Arab parties 'a disgrace and a shame'; Balad's leader called the opposition's refusal to ally with Arab parties racist.