Lawmaker claims Iran, Turkey plotting regime change in Israel
Israeli Lawmaker Accuses Iran and Turkey of Interfering in Election Process
JERUSALEM — Amit Halevi, a member of the Knesset, accused Iran and Turkey on Monday of attempting to influence Israel’s upcoming elections to effect a “regime change” in Jerusalem.
The legislative elections, scheduled for October 27, will determine all 120 members of the 26th Knesset. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leads the Likud party, the largest right-wing nationalist party in Israel.
In an interview with The Jerusalem Post, Halevi raised concerns about what he termed sophisticated foreign intervention in Israel’s electoral process. Despite the use of paper ballots, he contended that foreign actors have the capability to sway poll outcomes.
Halevi highlighted that adversaries are employing tactics such as utilizing digital platforms and financial resources to manipulate the Israeli electorate. He expressed particular apprehension regarding funding from “foreign countries and the European Union” that is funneled through Israeli non-governmental organizations.
He specifically identified Iran and Turkey as two nations with explicit goals to set the political agenda in the Middle East and beyond. Halevi remarked, “Both are bitter enemies and have detailed plans for the destruction of Israel,” adding that they are actively attempting to influence the elections in Israel.
