Netanyahu alleges foreign money was used to sway Israeli election

■ Steady

Netanyahu alleges foreign money swayed election as Herzog begins coalition talks

On Wednesday Netanyahu cited "serious suspicions" that foreign countries spent large sums to influence Israel's recent elections, an accusation the largest Arab-Israeli bloc calls political persecution. Israel's election commission confirmed the results and dismissed fraud claims, while Netanyahu's allies refused to back the outcome. President Herzog began talks on who should form the next government, with neither bloc close to a majority.

• The election commission confirmed the results and rejected fraud claims; it had said earlier the result would stand even if foreign interference claims proved true.
• Arab and ultra-Orthodox parties hold the key to forming a government.
• Parties in Eisenkot's camp have endorsed him as prime minister; whether to join forces with the Arab parties is an open question.
• Palestinian-led parties, which won a record number of seats, face a campaign against them, according to a report.