Israeli Election Integrity Unaffected by Foreign Interference Suspicions, Says Top Judge

The President of the Central Elections Committee, Judge Noam Sohlberg, stated on Sunday that even if suspicions of foreign interference in the recent election are confirmed, they would not undermine the overall integrity or results of the vote. He made these remarks alongside Shin Bet head David Zini and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara.

The allegations involve potential illegal funding from foreign entities hostile to Israel, aimed at influencing the election, particularly by boosting Arab voter turnout, as well as claims of electoral corruption. While some media outlets have pointed to Qatar and Turkey, there has been no official confirmation. The police have reported no evidence to support these claims thus far, and the Ra'am party has denied them.

"The suspicions raised are serious. We will examine them rigorously and get to the bottom of the truth," Sohlberg declared. However, he deemed it "incorrect" to argue that the current evidence could compromise the entire election outcome. A joint team comprising the Shin Bet, Israeli police, and the Attorney General's office will be formed to investigate the facts, with Judge Sohlberg closely monitoring the situation until the inquiry concludes.

Despite the investigation, the electoral process will proceed as planned. Sohlberg emphasized that these two objectives are not contradictory but closely linked. He noted the record voter turnout, stating that Israeli citizens had expressed their will, which would be respected. The judge also clarified that his comments were not intended to cast doubt on the votes cast by the Arab community.