Shin Bet Clarifies Foreign Influence Probe, Vows Transparency

By דודי גרליץ

Translated & summarized from JDN by baba

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Hebrew · 14 newsrooms covering

Israel's Shin Bet security agency clarified its investigation into alleged foreign election influence, stating the information was gathered independently and not from political parties. The findings will be presented to Elections Committee Chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg, who approved briefings for Prime Minister Netanyahu, Gadi Eisenkot, and Yair Lapid. The agency emphasized the probe's focused nature and commitment to legal action only against those who broke the law.

The story in 4 lines · by baba

Shin Bet stated its foreign influence probe information was gathered independently, not from political parties.
The investigation's findings will be presented to Elections Committee Chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg.
Prime Minister Netanyahu, Gadi Eisenkot, and Yair Lapid were briefed on the probe's main points.
The Shin Bet stressed the investigation is focused and will only target those acting illegally.

Shin Bet Clarifies Foreign Influence Probe, Vows Transparency — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) issued a detailed statement to clarify its ongoing investigation into alleged foreign influence and election integrity, addressing recent reports and public statements, including a letter from Moshe Feiglin, chairman of the 'Zeut' party. The agency emphasized that the information gathered stems from its independent, professional intelligence-gathering activities, mandated by law to detect foreign influence attempts. This information was not provided by any political parties or factions.

According to the Shin Bet, no external party, other than Central Elections Committee Chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg, was privy to the sensitive information until after election day concluded. The agency stressed that the investigation is still active and has not yet concluded, cautioning against public statements or interpretations regarding the nature or content of the suspicions, as these do not represent the Shin Bet's official position.

Upon completion of the investigation, the full findings will be presented transparently, without interpretation, to Justice Sohlberg, who is authorized to make decisions. With Sohlberg's approval, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Gadi Eisenkot, head of the 'Yisrael' party, and Opposition Chairman Yair Lapid were briefed on the main points within the last 24 hours.

The Shin Bet reiterated its commitment to operating in a state-sanctioned and professional manner, stating the current investigation is focused and contained. The agency firmly stated that the probe does not cast aspersions on any entire sector that exercised its democratic rights lawfully, and that legal and security actions will be directed solely at those who acted contrary to the law.