India, Oct. 31 -- Political tensions in Israel have intensified after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party alleged that Arab-led parties had stolen the parliamentary election, despite providing no evidence to support the claim. The accusations followed results showing Netanyahu's bloc had failed to secure a majority in the 120-member Knesset, while Arab-led parties recorded their strongest representation to date.

Figures released by the Central Elections Committee on Thursday showed Netanyahu's bloc winning 53 seats, compared with 48 for the main opposition alliance. The Arab-led Joint List and Ra'am secured the remaining 19 seats, leaving both major blocs short of the 61 needed to form a government.

The counting process has ...