Shin Bet Clarifies Election Probe, Denies Broad Accusations

Israel's General Security Service (Shin Bet) issued a clarification on Thursday regarding its investigation into high voter turnout within the Arab community during recent elections. The agency emphasized that the information under review was collected as part of its efforts to detect foreign influence and does not originate from any political party or entity. The Shin Bet stressed that the investigation is ongoing and that any statements concerning the specifics or nature of the suspicions are not authorized by the service.

During the period leading up to the elections, the only individual outside the Shin Bet privy to this information was Judge Noam Sohlberg, the Chairman of the Elections Committee. The Shin Bet head personally updated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, National Unity party head Gadi Eisenkot, and Opposition Chairman Yair Lapid on the main suspicions being investigated. These updates were provided with the approval and at the request of the Elections Committee chairman.

The service highlighted that the investigation is focused and limited, and does not cast doubt on or accuse an entire sector. "Only those who acted illegally will be dealt with," a statement read, adding that the Arab public as a whole voted democratically and legally. The findings will be presented to the Elections Committee chairman upon completion of the investigation, as he is the authorized body to make decisions on the matter. The Shin Bet committed to providing all information to the committee's decision-makers transparently and without interpretation.

The Shin Bet also affirmed its status as a state organization, with all its actions conducted under its legal mandate and overseen by its professional and legal counsel. Separately, Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesperson denied accusations of interference in Israeli elections or funding activities to influence results, attributing these claims to certain Israeli politicians and media outlets.