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Ongoing Story· Today

Election Committee Chair Orders Shin Bet to Probe Foreign Election Bribery Claims

45 developments

SrugimSecurity

Top Judge Orders Shin Bet Probe into Massive Election Fraud Claims

Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba

Religious-rightCharged tone

Hebrew · 1 newsroom

The Chairman of the Central Elections Committee, Judge Noam Sohlberg, has ordered the Shin Bet to investigate massive suspected foreign funding aimed at influencing election results. Political commentator Amit Segal called the directive unprecedented, noting concerns about a significant rise in Bedouin voter turnout possibly fueled by foreign money. The probe comes as final vote counts could determine the next government.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

  • Judge Noam Sohlberg ordered an urgent Shin Bet probe into massive election fraud suspicions.
  • Allegations involve improper influence and bribery using substantial foreign, possibly Qatari, funds.
  • The directive is unprecedented in its severity from the Elections Committee chairman.
  • An unusual surge in Bedouin voter turnout is a key focus of the investigation.
  • The probe occurs during the critical final stages of vote counting.

The Chairman of the Central Elections Committee, Judge Noam Sohlberg, has instructed the head of the Shin Bet, David Zini, to urgently investigate suspicions of significant election manipulation and bribery. This dramatic development, revealed on Tuesday morning, centers on allegations of foreign funding, specifically suspected Qatari money, used to improperly influence election results.

Political commentator Amit Segal reacted to the news, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the directive. He noted that such a severe letter has never before been issued by the Chairman of the Central Elections Committee regarding election tampering. Segal highlighted that Sohlberg is known for his precise language, making this warning particularly alarming. The investigation will focus on suspicions of undue influence and the alteration of outcomes through foreign financing.

Segal also pointed to specific data that raised red flags for the Elections Committee and other oversight bodies. He cited an unprecedented surge in voter turnout, particularly within the Bedouin sector and the Arab community generally, with some areas like Rahat reporting around 80% participation. Sohlberg believes this increase may have been achieved through foreign funds aimed at harming the state.

In a pointed political observation, Segal questioned the narrative that Prime Minister Netanyahu works for Qatar. He asked why Qatar would invest vast sums to overthrow a government that allegedly serves its interests. The timing of Sohlberg's request is critical, occurring during the intense counting of double envelopes, where each mandate could determine the final bloc makeup and the formation of the next government.

SrugimRight · Jerusalem

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