Election Committee Head: Results Valid Despite Foreign Funding Probe
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Election Committee Chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg declared the 26th Knesset elections valid and their results final, despite an ongoing Shin Bet investigation into foreign funding aimed at influencing the vote. He assured the public that their decisions would be honored, even if suspicions are confirmed. Political reactions were mixed, with some praising the clarity and others demanding a more thorough investigation into the potential impact of foreign interference on the close election results.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Election Committee Chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg affirmed the 26th Knesset election results are valid.
- An investigation into foreign funding aimed at influencing the election is ongoing.
- Sohlberg stated that even confirmed suspicions of foreign funding would not invalidate the election results.
- The Likud and Otzma Yehudit parties criticized Sohlberg's premature conclusions.
- Gadi Eisenkot praised Sohlberg's statement, condemning attempts to deny election results.
The Chairman of the Election Committee, Justice Noam Sohlberg, stated unequivocally that the 26th Knesset elections were conducted properly and their results will be honored, even in light of an ongoing investigation into foreign funding aimed at influencing the election. Speaking alongside State Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and Shin Bet head Dov Zini, Sohlberg assured citizens that their votes would be respected.
Sohlberg addressed reports about the Shin Bet investigation, clarifying that most publications were inaccurate and the probe, which is in its covert stage and based on classified information, cannot reveal details at this time. He confirmed that serious suspicions have arisen regarding foreign funding intended to influence the election and potentially having security implications. Sohlberg has ordered the Shin Bet to investigate these suspicions, emphasizing that "suspicions are suspicions" and solid evidence is required to challenge election results. He explicitly stated that the evidence currently available does not undermine the overall validity of the election results, asserting that even if the suspicions are confirmed, they would not detract from the election's integrity or its outcome.
A joint team led by the Shin Bet, Israel Police, and the State Prosecutor's Office will be formed to uncover the truth. Sohlberg also stressed that there is no implication of wrongdoing by the Arab community, whose voters exercised their democratic right, and that broad participation in elections is a positive aspect for all sectors of Israeli society. Official results will be published on Wednesday as scheduled, and the voters' decision will be honored.
The investigation, initiated last week following reports of foreign funding to sway the election, particularly concerning large sums from Arab entities to illegally boost Arab voter turnout, includes examining fund transfers and suspected vote-buying. Several arrests have been made in the Negev region as authorities assess potential undue influence on the voting process.
Political reactions were divided. Gadi Eisenkot praised Sohlberg's statement, condemning attempts to deny election results and delegitimize the public's will. Conversely, the Likud party criticized Sohlberg for pre-emptively declaring the results unaffected by the investigation, highlighting that a small number of votes could have altered the political map and demanding a swift and thorough inquiry. Itamar Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit party echoed these concerns, questioning Sohlberg's haste in dismissing the impact of the foreign funding probe and alleging potential political pressure on the investigation.
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