Since losing his majority in the October 27 vote, Netanyahu and his allies have been pressing a serious accusation: the election was “stolen” by Arab parties through bribery, foreign funding and fraud. They are demanding investigations, arrests and, in the most extreme version, even canceling the vote and going to another round of elections.

They have yet to present any evidence, but the political goal is clear: to cast a veil of illegitimacy on the Joint List and Raam, the two Arab parties that saw record turnout and are likely to be a crucial part of any effort to oust Israel’s longest-serving leader.

Netanyahu did not lose the election outright, nor did he win it. The same is true for Eisenkot. Both fell short of the required 61-seat majority in the 120-seat parliament needed for a clear victory. Israel now faces weeks – perhaps months – of political uncertainty.