Israeli Election Committee Head Orders Shin Bet to Probe Foreign Funding Allegations

The Chairman of the Central Elections Committee and Deputy President of the Supreme Court, Justice Noam Sohlberg, has sent an unusually severe letter to the head of the General Security Service (Shin Bet), David Zini, instructing him to open an investigation into suspicions of foreign bribery related to the 26th Knesset elections. The letter, dated Wednesday, raises concerns about dangerous external interference in Israel's democratic process.

According to the document, titled "Directive to Investigate Suspicions Regarding Foreign Funding and Suspected Election Bribery by Foreign Elements," Sohlberg has been presented with serious suspicions of undue influence on the elections. The alleged influence was reportedly carried out through foreign funding from external entities acting against Israeli interests, with suspicions pointing to Qatari funding.

Sohlberg emphasized that while he cannot yet testify to the exact nature of these suspicions, the involvement of external parties necessitates a thorough investigation. The investigation aims to safeguard the integrity of the Knesset elections and prevent illegal activities designed to harm Israel's democratic system and prevent subversion.

In his letter, Sohlberg stressed that "the integrity of elections is the heart of democracy," warning that "take away its integrity, and you have taken away its vitality." He also quoted a critical Supreme Court ruling emphasizing the paramount duty to ensure elections are free from coercion, improper influence, and corruption.

Justice Sohlberg has directed Zini to use the Shin Bet's full authority to find evidence to substantiate or refute these serious suspicions. Given the legal timelines for election appeals, Sohlberg has requested that Zini make every effort to present findings, if any, within the coming week.