Election Committee Head Orders Shin Bet Probe into Foreign Interference

Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, called the letter from Judge Noam Sohlberg an "unprecedented and dramatic event" and urged law enforcement to investigate quickly. Sohlberg, who also serves as chairman of the Election Committee, formally instructed Shin Bet head David Zini to launch an investigation into suspected foreign funding and election bribery by foreign entities. The directive followed Zini presenting Sohlberg with information described as "exceptionally serious." Sohlberg stated that while he cannot attest to the nature of the suspicions, they must be investigated due to their foreign origin, to safeguard the integrity of Knesset elections and prevent illegal activities aimed at undermining democratic rule. He did not identify the foreign entity allegedly involved in interfering with the elections or providing bribes. Sohlberg explicitly instructed Zini to use the Shin Bet's resources to find evidence supporting the suspicions or to disprove them, emphasizing the need to ensure public trust in the electoral process and democratic integrity. The Election Committee chairman demanded a report on the investigation's findings within one week, citing the urgency of vote counting timelines.