Election Integrity Unaffected by Foreign Funding Probe, Says Top Judge

The Chairman of the Central Elections Committee, Judge Noam Sohlberg, announced on Sunday that the 26th Knesset elections were conducted properly and their results reflect the will of the voters. Speaking alongside Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and Shin Bet head David Zini, Sohlberg stated that while an investigation into suspicions of foreign funding will continue, the election process will be completed as scheduled, with official results to be published and submitted to the President on Wednesday.

Sohlberg emphasized that the election results accurately represent the voters' choices, despite ongoing investigations into alleged foreign funding aimed at influencing the election. He clarified that most media reports on the investigation are inaccurate, as the probe is currently classified and its details cannot be revealed. "Suspicions are suspicions," he stated, adding that "solid evidence is required to challenge election results."

He assured that the Attorney General and relevant parties are fully updated on the investigation's progress. Sohlberg asserted that even if the suspicions are confirmed, they would not undermine the integrity or overall results of the elections. A joint team led by the Shin Bet, Israel Police, and the State Prosecutor's Office will handle the ongoing inquiry, with Sohlberg closely monitoring its conclusion.

Sohlberg also specifically addressed concerns regarding the Arab community's vote, stating that the suspicions do not warrant casting doubt on Arab citizens who exercised their democratic right. He reiterated that the election results will be published on Wednesday as planned, affirming that voters' decisions will be respected.