Netanyahu's Chief of Staff Provided Information Leading to Ra'am Activist Probe
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Chief of Staff, Ido Nordon, provided information to police that led to the investigation of three Ra'am party activists on suspicion of election bribery. Law enforcement sources believe the case is weak and unlikely to lead to an indictment. The Ra'am party denies the allegations, claiming it's an attempt to suppress Arab votes. A separate Shin Bet investigation into alleged Qatari involvement in the elections is underway.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Netanyahu's Chief of Staff Ido Nordon gave police info leading to Ra'am activist bribery probe.
- Law enforcement officials deem the election bribery case against Ra'am activists weak.
- Ra'am activists allegedly planned to distribute money for votes, but denied allegations.
- Fuel vouchers were reportedly not found in the suspects' possession.
- Shin Bet is separately investigating alleged Qatari involvement in the elections.
Ido Nordon, the Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, personally contacted senior police officials to provide information that initiated an investigation into three Ra'am party activists. The activists were arrested on suspicion of election bribery, with allegations that they planned to distribute money to citizens in exchange for votes for Ra'am. During searches of their homes, envelopes allegedly prepared for distribution to voters were seized.
Senior law enforcement officials indicated that the suspects, whose detentions were extended, have provided explanations regarding the source of the funds. These officials assess that the case is weak and unlikely to result in an indictment, although the investigation is ongoing. Contrary to some reports, fuel vouchers were not found in the suspects' possession.
The Ra'am party has denied the allegations, stating that the activists were arrested before polling stations opened as part of a political effort to suppress voting within the Arab community. Separately, the Shin Bet is investigating alleged Qatari involvement in the elections, a probe initiated by the Chairman of the Central Elections Committee, Judge Noam Sohlberg. A police source clarified that there is no connection between the Ra'am activist investigation and the Shin Bet's inquiry. The Prime Minister's office has denied the report.
