Israeli officials insist the election will stand after Netanyahu claimed Arab parties 'stole' the vote that cost him his majority

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister, with Chaim at the Western Wall, as the final count left his Likud-led bloc on 53 seats — eight short of the majority needed to govern.

Crowds marching through Tel Aviv by night, as Arab turnout surged to nearly 80 per cent to deliver the historic Knesset result.

Israel's election committee chief, attorney general and Shin Bet intelligence chief released a joint statement on Sunday affirming that the October 27 vote would not be overturned, regardless of whether foreign interference allegations prove true. An Israeli court ordered most of the arrested suspects released, ruling there was insufficient evidence of bribery. Netanyahu's Likud party had accused Arab-led parties of stealing the election without providing evidence.

A court freed most of the detained suspects after finding the cash-envelope arrests fell short of proving coordinated voter bribery by Arab parties.

Arab-led parties Raam and the Joint List captured a record 19 Knesset seats combined, handing the opposition a joint majority of 67 in the 120-seat parliament.

Netanyahu's chief rival, Gadi Eisenkot, has signalled openness to a coalition with Arab parties that could push the prime minister out of office.

The GuardianIsrael has ‘historic’ opportunity to change direction, says leader of Arab coalition PoliticoIsraeli officials say elections will stand after Netanyahu claimed Arabs stole vote APIsraeli officials say elections won’t be undermined, and suspects in bribery case are freed Washington TimesMost suspects released after Israeli court says no evidence for accusation of bribery in election Irish TimesView from Israel: Palestinians voted with one voice. The opposition cannot ignore them

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