Likud Criticizes Election Chief's Statement on Foreign Funding Allegations

The Likud party on Sunday criticized a statement by the Chairman of the Central Elections Committee, Judge Noam Sohlberg, who declared that suspicions of foreign funding would not invalidate the overall election results, even if proven. Likud demanded a swift and thorough investigation, arguing that a margin of just 4,612 votes could have altered the distribution of Knesset seats. "It is very puzzling how Judge Sohlberg states that these are very serious suspicions of foreign funding, and at the same time determines in advance that they have no impact on the election results before the investigation is concluded," the party stated. Likud emphasized that this vote difference was between Ra'am and the right-wing bloc, which would have significantly changed the election outcome and the political map. The party called for a rapid and comprehensive inquiry to preserve the integrity of the Knesset elections and the nation's sovereignty, asserting that "until the investigation is concluded, a dark cloud hangs over the election results in Israel."

The statement from Likud followed a joint announcement by Sohlberg, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, and Shin Bet head David Zini. Sohlberg confirmed that serious suspicions of funding from external entities aimed at influencing the election, with potential security implications, are being investigated. However, he stressed that the evidence currently available does not suggest the results would be overturned, and even if the suspicions are verified, they would not undermine the validity of the election process or its overall outcome. A joint team led by the Shin Bet, police, and state prosecution will continue to investigate the allegations, while official results are slated for publication on Wednesday and will be presented to the President as scheduled.