Israel Investigates Foreign Funding and Vote Buying in Arab Parties

The Chairman of the Central Elections Committee, Judge Noam Sohlberg, has instructed Shin Bet head David Zini to investigate suspicions of undue influence on the recent elections through foreign funding and vote buying. This directive follows Zini presenting Sohlberg with information described as "exceptionally serious." Sources familiar with the investigation suggest that funding from Qatar is being examined, with reports also mentioning Turkey and concerns that funds may have been transferred through channels used for terror financing.

Sohlberg stated in his letter that he had been presented with "serious suspicions of undue influence through foreign funding by external elements acting against the Israeli interest" on the elections. While he could not attest to the nature of the suspicions, he determined that the alleged involvement of foreign entities warranted a thorough investigation. He urged Zini to utilize the Shin Bet's capabilities to find evidence supporting or refuting these claims and requested preliminary findings within the week, given election appeal deadlines.

In parallel, an investigation into alleged vote-buying in the Negev, specifically the distribution of cash envelopes to voters for Ra'am party, has been transferred from the Southern District to Lahav 433. This move comes amid suspicions of an organized infrastructure aimed at undermining election integrity. During election day activities, envelopes containing cash and Ra'am ballots were seized, leading to the arrest of three individuals identified by Ra'am as prominent activists.

The Likud party has claimed the elections were "stolen," alleging vote buying, threats, violence, and fraud by Arab parties, and has submitted hundreds of testimonies and evidence to the police, Shin Bet, and the Elections Committee. These claims include cash envelopes alongside Ra'am ballots, threats to polling station staff, double voting, and the use of prohibited software. However, the police have stated that there is "no investigative or intelligence support" for the claim that the elections were stolen, while assuring that all reports are being examined.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for an immediate investigation into the heads of Arab parties, stating, "The suspicion of election manipulation with foreign Islamist money is a test case for the State of Israel." Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, described Sohlberg's letter as "dramatic and unprecedented" and urged swift action. Meanwhile, on election day, Shin Bet head Zini had described the voting process as "going well" and "supervised and proceeding properly and inspiringly."