Likud Alleges Foreign Interference in Elections, Demands Probe
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
The Likud party has alerted the Chairman of the Central Elections Committee to suspicions of foreign interference in favor of candidate Gadi Eisenkot. An "Israel Hayom" report claims foreign diplomats inquired about Haredi support for Eisenkot's potential government. Likud's attorney requested the Shin Bet investigate, citing potential harm to democracy. The appeal does not name specific countries or individuals involved, nor does it claim Eisenkot's direct knowledge.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Likud suspects foreign diplomats of seeking Haredi support for Gadi Eisenkot's potential government.
- The party urged the Central Elections Committee chairman to have the Shin Bet investigate the allegations.
- An "Israel Hayom" report is the basis for Likud's suspicion of foreign interference.
- Likud argues such foreign activity "gravely harms the core of Israeli democracy."
- The appeal does not specify the countries or individuals allegedly involved.
The Likud party has urgently appealed to Noam Sohlberg, Chairman of the Central Elections Committee, expressing suspicion of foreign interference aimed at supporting Gadi Eisenkot's candidacy. The appeal follows a report in "Israel Hayom" alleging that diplomats from foreign countries contacted Haredi political figures to gauge potential support for Eisenkot and the formation of a government under his leadership. The report also suggested discussions about Haredi parties joining such a government and the identity of rabbis influencing political decisions within the Haredi community.
In a letter to Sohlberg, attorney Ilan Bombach, representing Likud, requested that the Shin Bet security agency investigate these suspicions. Bombach argued that any foreign government activity intended to influence Israel's government composition goes beyond acceptable diplomatic practice and "gravely harms the core of Israeli democracy." He cited sections of the General Security Service Law concerning the Shin Bet's role in protecting democratic institutions and preventing illegal activities that could undermine them.
The letter does not specify which countries are allegedly involved, the identities of the diplomats, or the specific individuals contacted. It also does not present independent findings to corroborate the report, stating that the matter is currently based on suspicion that Likud wishes to investigate. The appeal does not claim Eisenkot himself was aware of or involved in these alleged contacts.
Bombach urged Sohlberg to urgently consider measures to address the concerns of foreign interference in the election process. A copy of the letter was sent to the head of the Shin Bet, indicating Likud's desire for the agency's involvement in examining the allegations. The letter does not request specific remedies against any party, candidate, or diplomat.
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