Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a journalist on Israel's Election Day, March 17, 2015, that he believed the "American administration" was trying to undermine his election.
"I want to tell you that what's happening today is election stealing. Nothing like this has ever happened in any democracy anywhere. Because you're in the press, you didn't report on this scandal here. I'm about to lose the election," Netanyahu said.
Haaretz reported that Netanyahu said, "The V15 movement, backed by the American administration, brought software programs here. ... You know what I'm talking about. I don't want to elaborate over the phone, OK? Super-software that locates voters."
The journalist asked him, "What do you suggest I do with this information? The vote is today."
Netanyahu responded, "I want you to know that this is what happened. You won't touch it. ... That's why I'm going to lose this election." However, Netanyahu won reelection that night.
After the loss, publisher Arnon Mozes of the daily newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, who did not support Netanyahu, was branded as a defeated enemy.
One member of the Likud party said that day was a turning point for Netanyahu.
"You have to understand, the man was bracing for a loss. After the election, he got it into his head that he had won on his own, that he had vanquished Mozes and the entire media establishment. The goal he set himself after the election was to change the balance, to gain control of the business."
The Likud member said that Netanyahu is now aiming to control Israel's commercial television. "He told us explicitly: I already handled the print media when Israel Hayom was founded," referring to a free daily paper published by U.S. Republican financier Sheldon Adelson.
Netanyahu might have had valid concerns. According to The Washington Times, the Obama administration spent $350,000 to prevent Netanyahu from winning.
However, the Israeli leader said he would be a welcome guest at the White House no matter who wins the election, according to The Jerusalem Post.
Netanyahu said both presidential candidates invited him to the White House after the election. "Our relations with the U.S. are stronger and mightier than ever and will remain that way, because the Americans share our values," he said.
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