Israel's Election Chief Orders Shin Bet to Probe Alleged Qatari Election Interference
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Israel's Central Elections Committee Chairman Noam Sohlberg has ordered the Shin Bet to investigate alleged foreign interference in the recent Knesset elections, focusing on potential funding from Qatar and Turkey. The probe follows the arrest of individuals suspected of vote-buying for the Ra'am party, with millions of shekels reportedly transferred through channels linked to terror financing. Several ministers and lawmakers have called for an urgent investigation, and the possibility of disqualifying Ra'am's votes is being considered.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Central Elections Committee Chairman Noam Sohlberg ordered the Shin Bet to investigate alleged foreign election interference.
- Millions of shekels from hostile nations, possibly Qatar and Turkey, are suspected of being used to buy votes.
- The investigation follows arrests and seizure of cash linked to suspected vote-buying for the Ra'am party.
- Ministers and lawmakers have demanded an urgent probe into the alleged impact on election integrity.
- The probe may consider disqualifying votes cast for the Ra'am party.
The Chairman of the Central Elections Committee, Judge Noam Sohlberg, has instructed the head of the Shin Bet, David Zini, to investigate suspicions of foreign funding aimed at influencing the 26th Knesset elections. The probe, expected to yield findings within a week, stems from reports of millions of shekels allegedly transferred from hostile nations to Israel to purchase votes.
This development follows the arrest of three residents from Segev Shalom and Ar'ara BaNegev on election day. During searches, envelopes containing tens of thousands of shekels in cash, along with ballots, were seized. Authorities suspect the money was intended to pay voters in exchange for supporting the Ra'am party. One suspect denied involvement in vote-buying, claiming he was organizing home meetings and encouraging voting.
Several ministers and Knesset members, including Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli and the chairmen of the Constitution and Interior Committees, Simcha Rothman and Yitzhak Kroizer respectively, have also appealed to Sohlberg and the Shin Bet chief. They cited reports of cash, fuel cards, and gift cards being distributed in exchange for votes for Ra'am, demanding an urgent investigation into those involved and the potential impact on election integrity.
Reports suggest that the suspected funds originated from Qatar and Turkey, with some funds allegedly channeled through routes previously used for terror financing. The Shin Bet has been examining foreign funding channels to groups encouraging voting within the Arab community, noting potential overlaps with channels used for terror financing via money changers and local institutions.
Journalist Amit Segal commented on Twitter that the publication of these allegations diminishes the already slim possibility of a minority government relying on Arab party votes, at least until the investigation concludes. The investigation is reportedly examining the possibility of disqualifying votes cast for Ra'am pending the outcome of the probe.
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