Shin Bet Investigates Additional Countries' Election Interference Attempts

The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) is investigating potential involvement by additional countries, beyond Qatar, in attempts to influence Israeli elections. This probe follows the accumulation of intelligence indicating that at least two other nations may have actively intervened through illicit means.

Shin Bet chief David Zini reportedly informed Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and the Chairman of the Election Committee, Judge Noam Sohlberg, several weeks ago about general intelligence regarding foreign influence attempts on Israeli elections. Recently, as more intelligence gathered, the need to transition to an open investigation became apparent.

Zini first updated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the matter before meeting with Judge Sohlberg. During their meeting, Zini sought Sohlberg's approval to discuss the issue with the Prime Minister, though Netanyahu had already been briefed.

Sources within the Election Committee stated that the information under review does not appear to be significant enough to affect the election results. They characterized claims of systematic bias or election theft as political manipulation and affirmed that election results would be submitted as planned.

The Shin Bet characterized the investigation as focused and limited, with no impact on the elections. The agency possesses evidence currently under examination, and the investigation is ongoing. Complex and sensitive investigative actions have been taken to trace the flow and origin of funds, which appear to have come from more than one source. The investigation is also examining whether the funds reached crime families or involved Arab political elements. The intelligence originated from the Shin Bet's own collection efforts, not from any political faction, and the Mossad is not involved.