Shin Bet Clarifies Role in Qatar Influence Probe
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
The Shin Bet has clarified its role in an investigation into suspected Qatari influence on elections, stating the information was gathered legally and kept confidential until after the vote. The agency emphasized the probe is ongoing and will be presented to the Elections Committee. Key political leaders, including the Prime Minister, were briefed on the suspicions.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Shin Bet confirms it gathered information on suspected Qatari election influence legally.
- Information was kept confidential from all external parties until after elections.
- The investigation is ongoing, and findings will be presented to the Elections Committee.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu and other party leaders were briefed on the suspicions.
- Shin Bet stressed the probe targets unlawful actions, not the general public.
The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) has issued its first statement regarding suspicions of Qatari influence on elections, addressing clarifications concerning a letter from Judge Noam Sohlberg, the information's origin, and the timing of the investigation. The agency stated that the information was gathered as part of its legal mandate to detect foreign influence and did not originate from any political party or faction.
According to the Shin Bet, besides Judge Sohlberg, no external party was privy to the information until after the elections concluded. The agency emphasized that its investigation is ongoing and any statements about the content or nature of the suspicions are not on behalf of the Shin Bet and should be avoided. Findings will be presented to the Chairman of the Central Elections Committee upon completion of the probe.
The Shin Bet asserted its status as a state organization, with all actions conducted strictly within its legal mandate and overseen by professional and legal advisors. The agency stressed that, as with all its operations, this investigation is focused and specific, targeting only those who acted unlawfully, and not casting doubt on the democratic process for the general public.
Upon conclusion, all information will be fully and transparently presented to the decision-makers at the Elections Committee. The Head of the Shin Bet, with the approval and at the request of the Chairman of the Elections Committee, personally updated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, and Opposition Chairman Yair Lapid on the main suspicions being investigated within the last 24 hours.
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