Police Deny Link Between Negev Activist Probe and Qatar Election Interference Claims

A police source has stated that there is no connection between the investigation of Arab United List activists from the Negev and suspicions of Qatari interference in the Knesset elections. The statement comes after police announced the arrest of four additional individuals on Thursday, related to a previous investigation into electoral bribery. Earlier on election day, three people from the Negev were arrested on suspicion of electoral bribery. The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Lahav 433 unit.

Police had previously reported arresting three suspects on election day in the Negev's Bedouin communities for allegedly tampering with election integrity. Information received by the police suggested that individuals had prepared ballot envelopes in advance and attempted to bribe residents to vote for the Arab United List. The envelopes containing ballots, along with cash, were reportedly seized. The suspects were taken for questioning, with their detention to be reviewed by a court.

The police emphasized their commitment to firmly confronting any attempts to undermine the democratic process. Media sources reported on election day that two suspects in the alleged bribery scheme for the Arab United List had their detention extended by six days, while a third suspect, identified as a doctor, was moved to house arrest.

The Arab United List had filed a formal complaint with the Central Elections Committee on election day, alleging a systematic campaign to obstruct their voting process. This campaign reportedly included the arrest of their activists, and the disappearance or destruction of their ballots in several Arab towns. The party specifically mentioned the arrest of prominent activists in the Negev, including Dr. Siaf Abu Riyash from Rahat, Hussein Masoudin from Shqib-al-Salam, and Ibrahim Al-Qaribi from the village of Al-Sar, without clear justification.

In their complaint, the party also reported a widespread shortage of their Arabic ballots, marked with the letters 'AE', in towns like Nazareth and Shfaram. They also noted the discovery of torn ballots, raising suspicions of deliberate destruction. The Arab United List urged voters to be cautious, verify the availability of intact ballots, and demand replacements if damaged or missing. The party asserted that right-wing elements were attempting to weaken their electoral strength and prevent them from reaching eight seats, thereby hindering the formation of an alternative government led by the "change bloc."