Lapid Assures No Risk to Election Results After Meeting Shin Bet Chief

Former Prime Minister Yair Lapid stated on Thursday that there is no risk or concern regarding the integrity of the Knesset election results, following a meeting with Shin Bet Director David Zini. Lapid announced that the new Knesset can now be sworn in.

Prior to meeting Zini at the Shin Bet headquarters, Lapid also spoke with representatives of Judge Noam Sohlberg, who serves on the Central Elections Committee, to clarify the situation concerning the election outcomes. Lapid conveyed that based on his understanding of the information and the assessment of relevant authorities, the election results are secure and there is no impediment to swearing in the Knesset.

The Shin Bet issued a statement earlier, addressing suspicions of Qatari influence on the elections. The agency clarified that its investigation is ongoing and it is too early to draw conclusions about the nature or severity of the suspicions. The information leading to the probe was gathered as part of the service's legal activities to detect foreign influence and was not received from any political party or figure.

The Shin Bet emphasized that only Judge Sohlberg and no one outside the service was privy to this information before the elections concluded. All findings will be transferred to the Chairman of the Central Elections Committee after the investigation is complete, as he is the authorized official to make decisions on the matter. The agency pledged to present the information fully, transparently, and without interpretation to decision-makers. The Shin Bet also clarified that the investigation is focused and contained, and the suspicions do not cast doubt on the entire electorate that participated democratically and legally. Only those who acted unlawfully will be dealt with.