Israeli Politicians React to Allegations of Qatari Election Bribery

By דביר ג'ברה

Translated & summarized from N12 by baba

CenterCharged tone

Hebrew · 2 newsrooms covering

Israeli Election Committee Chairman Noam Solberg ordered the Shin Bet to investigate alleged Qatari election bribery, leading to strong reactions from politicians. The Likud party called it an "earthquake" and a "blow to democracy," while ministers like Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich demanded the arrest and investigation of Arab party leaders. Gadi Eisenkot stressed safeguarding election integrity, and Avigdor Lieberman called the event "unprecedented."

The story in 6 lines · by baba

Election Committee Chairman Noam Solberg ordered Shin Bet to investigate alleged Qatari election bribery.
The Likud party called the affair an "earthquake" and a "blow to democracy."
Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called for the arrest of Arab party leaders involved.
Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated Israel will not be sold to radical Islam with terror money.
Gadi Eisenkot urged safeguarding election integrity against foreign interference.
Avigdor Lieberman described the event as "dramatic and unprecedented."

Israeli Politicians React to Allegations of Qatari Election Bribery — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

The Chairman of the Election Committee, Noam Solberg, has instructed the head of the Shin Bet, David Zini, to open an investigation into suspicions of election bribery by Qatar. This revelation has sparked significant political backlash, with politicians from the Netanyahu bloc and various ministers calling for the investigation and even arrest of Arab party leaders. The Likud party issued a strong statement, calling the affair "Ra'am-gate" an "earthquake" and a "blow to democracy" aimed at foreign takeover of the Knesset and the downfall of the right-wing government. They demanded immediate action from the Shin Bet and police to investigate these "crimes."

Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir urged the Shin Bet to arrest the leaders of Arab parties suspected of involvement with Qatari money, as well as other suspects including individuals from the Muslim Brotherhood, calling it a "political October 27th."

Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that the suspicion of foreign Islamist election manipulation is a "test for the State of Israel" and that Arab party leaders must be investigated immediately, asserting that "the State of Israel will not be sold to radical Islam with terror money."

Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the National Unity Party, confirmed he is in contact with relevant parties and receiving updates. He emphasized the need to safeguard election integrity against any foreign interference but cautioned against allowing political elements to exploit the situation to influence the swearing-in of the 26th Knesset.

Avigdor Lieberman, leader of Yisrael Beiteinu, described Solberg's letter as a "dramatic and unprecedented event" and called for swift action by law enforcement. Minister Miki Zohar echoed this, stating Solberg's call for an investigation into foreign funding for Arab parties reinforces these claims. MK Moshe Saada added that Solberg's decision to involve the Shin Bet indicates a reasonable suspicion of improper interference and damage to election integrity by terror elements, potentially impacting election results and revealing ties between Arab political figures and hostile entities.