Israeli Journalists Debate Alleged Qatari Interference in Elections

Allegations of Qatari interference in Israel's 26th Knesset elections and a letter from Central Elections Committee Chairman Judge Noam Sohlberg to Shin Bet head David Zini have sparked a storm among Israeli journalists and commentators. Amid questions about the Shin Bet's conduct and the political implications of the revelations, sharp criticism was leveled at the very publication of the suspicions, alongside barbs referencing past Qatari connections.

Political commentator Amit Segal questioned the timing, sarcastically noting, "It's a bit strange, isn't it? We were told Netanyahu works for Qatar, so why replace a regime that works for you?" Segal suggested the publication diminishes the already slim possibility of a minority government supported by Arab parties, at least until the investigation concludes. He deemed the chances of disqualifying the entire election or holding a repeat vote very low due to logistical challenges, predicting the situation might instead accelerate possibilities for national unity or new elections.

Legal correspondent Aviad Glickman directed criticism at Shin Bet head David Zini, stating that if Zini had information prior to the elections and waited to act, he would need to explain his actions. Glickman also expressed concern that Zini might be cooperating with a Likud narrative aimed at preventing cooperation with Arab parties. Haaretz journalist Josh Breiner strongly attacked Judge Sohlberg, calling his letter to the Shin Bet "completely irresponsible." Breiner argued that without solid information and with police indicating no irregularities, Sohlberg's actions were damaging the election results. He also accused the Netanyahu government of trying to distract from its election losses by sowing chaos and making Israel appear like a "third-world country."

Other journalists also weighed in with pointed remarks. Baruch Kra questioned whether the Shin Bet could investigate the flow of money from Qatar. Bar Peleg expressed confusion about the current stance on Qatari interference, noting that if the information is true, it represents a significant failure by the Shin Bet, similar to previous security lapses. Avishai Greenzaig highlighted that the police have no information about irregularities and that the Shin Bet, which provided the information, had recently presented a positive outlook on election preparedness. He questioned the process, especially since Sohlberg himself noted the uncertainty of the suspicions but still ordered an investigation. Bar Sham Or sarcastically commented on the perceived message from Netanyahu and the Likud, distinguishing between Arabs who allegedly received Qatari money to disrupt democracy and Jews who allegedly did the same.