Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz has accused "Likud propagandists" of spreading fake coronavirus rumours ahead of Monday's Israeli election.

Mr Gantz took to social media on Sunday after the Israeli Ministry of Defence quickly dismissed rumours that the virus had been found in the city of Givatayim, to the east of Tel Aviv.

In a social media post on Sunday, Mr Gantz wrote: "Corona Method: This is how Netanyahu intends to stop you from voting - I ask you to read and share.

"This morning there was news of suspicion of corona in Givatayim.

"Of course, this information was refuted by the Ministry of Health at lightning speed when it was determined there had never been anything."

Likud immediately dismissed suggestions that they were behind the virus rumours in an area where the Blue and White party where expected to poll well.

Israel's Central Election Committee has met amid fears fake news concerning the coronavirus crisis will be widespread on election day.

At a meeting with police and health officials, it was decided the committee and other agencies would monitor social media and text messages and take immediate action if necessary.

Facebook could be asked to remove posts or track down individuals who spread fake news as voters go to the polls again.

The JC reported how Likud initially planned to run a “positive” campaign focusing on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s achievements in what they describe as “the best decade in Israel’s history”.

But it has instead launched a smear campaign against its main rival, Blue and White leader Mr Gantz.

“Something not good is happening to Benny Gantz,” Mr Netanyahu said at a rally last Tuesday night. “And this raises questions whether we can take a risk with our future.”