Israeli Election Chief Orders Shin Bet Probe into Foreign Interference Claims

The Chairman of the Central Elections Committee, Judge Noam Sohlberg, has ordered the head of the Shin Bet, David Zini, to investigate suspicions of foreign funding and undue influence in the 26th Knesset elections. Sohlberg stated he could not attest to the nature of the allegations but demanded a review and presentation of findings within a week, if any are found.

In an unusual letter sent to Zini, Sohlberg emphasized the seriousness of the suspicions and the need to ensure election integrity, requesting the investigation's results within the coming week. The letter, titled "Instruction to Investigate Suspicions Regarding Foreign Funding and Suspected Election Bribery by Foreign Elements," detailed allegations of foreign entities attempting to improperly influence election outcomes through funding.

Sohlberg wrote that he had been presented with serious suspicions of foreign entities acting against Israeli interests to influence the elections. While unable to confirm the specifics, he stressed the obligation to thoroughly investigate these claims, especially given their foreign origin, to safeguard election purity and prevent illegal activities aimed at undermining democratic governance. He urged Zini to expedite the investigation and use the Shin Bet's capabilities to find evidence or disprove the allegations, ensuring public trust in the electoral process.

The directive was issued the day after the elections, acknowledging the tight legal timeframe for election appeals. The letter did not specify the identities of the suspected foreign actors, the potential funding amounts, or the Israeli parties or individuals allegedly benefiting. Copies were also sent to the Central Elections Committee's legal advisors.

Separately, the "Choosing in Life" forum claimed that three individuals arrested on suspicion of managing an election bribery network were linked to Ra'am. The forum alleged one suspect is a senior figure in the Islamic Movement, connected to the "Aid 48" association, which has faced past complaints and suspicions of ties to terror organizations. The forum's research department provided information to the Shin Bet, stating that one suspect is a senior figure in the Islamic Movement, close to Mansour Abbas, and central to fundraising for "Aid 48," which allegedly supported designated terror groups linked to Hamas. The forum called for a deep examination of Mansour Abbas's and other Ra'am leadership's involvement in this case, citing Facebook posts by the suspect identifying with Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood.