Israeli Right Accused of Cutting Power to Hinder Arab Voting in Negev

The "United Arab List," headed by Mansour Abbas, accused the Israeli government of cutting electricity to Arab towns inside Israel to obstruct voting for Arab parties in the 26th Knesset elections.

In a statement, the list said: "Electricity was cut off in the towns of Ar'ara BaNegev and Kuseife in the Negev, and the right is continuing its systematic campaign to undermine voting for the United List," suggesting that power cuts could occur in other towns considered strongholds of the list.

It added: "The right fears the United Arab List approaching the eighth seat, which would enable it to form a coalition of 61 members to oust them from power," calling for increased turnout at polling stations to vote.

It stated that "the Israeli police are controlling the ballot boxes in Ar'ara BaNegev after cutting off its electricity, and refuse to allow voters to enter."

It warned of a broad and systematic campaign launched by the right since the early morning hours targeting votes for the United Arab List.

Israeli Channel 12 reported that "a prolonged power outage in the city of Rahat prevents voting at 5 polling stations."