Shin Bet Held Election Integrity Intelligence Before Vote, Officials Say

The Shin Bet (General Security Service) possessed intelligence regarding potential illicit financial transfers before the recent elections, according to two official sources connected to the matter. These revelations have sparked controversy, as the Shin Bet's role includes monitoring election integrity. Sources within the Central Elections Committee stated that the Shin Bet attended all situation assessments prior to the vote and never reported any suspicions or intelligence about such activities. Had such information been provided, the committee would have immediately requested the Shin Bet to act to prevent interference and safeguard the election's fairness.

Questions are being raised about why the Shin Bet, possessing what is described as potentially "shaking" intelligence, did not act or launch an investigation before the elections. The head of the Shin Bet, David Zini, stated on election day that the elections were "secure and supervised," a remark that is now being scrutinized. The Shin Bet has not yet provided a public explanation for its actions or the nature of its investigation.

Central Elections Committee Chairman Noam Solberg met with Zini and subsequently sent him a letter urging an investigation into "serious suspicions of improper influence on the elections through foreign funding by external elements acting against the Israeli interest." According to Shin Bet sources, the service had the information and opened an investigation days prior but waited to see if the alleged bribery would actually occur. Officially, the Shin Bet stated it "does not comment" on the investigation.

Solberg's letter emphasized the importance of election integrity and the need to thoroughly investigate suspicions involving foreign actors. This has led to further questions about the Shin Bet's conduct, particularly why Zini declared the elections secure on election day if the intelligence existed beforehand. The Shin Bet's lack of a formal spokesperson has been noted as a factor in the limited public information.

President Isaac Herzog addressed the issue, stating he spoke with Solberg and Zini. He stressed the need for a thorough investigation of the allegations and punishment for offenders, while also cautioning against stigmatizing an entire public segment. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was briefed on the matter by Zini, who described the suspicions as "well-founded."

Solberg has instructed Zini to provide the investigation's findings within a week, emphasizing the need to gather evidence to substantiate or refute the suspicions to ensure public trust in the democratic process. Meanwhile, in a separate case, police arrested seven individuals on suspicion of election bribery, involving cash found in the Negev. The Likud party has linked these cases, alleging "election theft" and foreign interference, claims that the police have denied, stating there is "no support" for the election theft allegations.