Shin Bet Chief Seeks to Question Arab Lawmakers in Election Interference Probe

The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) chief, David Zini, has requested to question four Arab party lawmakers under caution as part of an investigation into suspected foreign interference in elections. The lawmakers identified are Ahmad Tibi, chairman of Ta'al; Mansour Abbas, chairman of Ra'am; and Sami Abu Shehadeh, chairman of Balad. The identity of a fourth Knesset member, whose case reportedly has significant evidence warranting investigation, remains undisclosed.

Despite the push to advance the interrogations, necessary procedures are still pending. The Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara, has demanded to review the evidence against the lawmakers before approving their questioning, but so far, materials have only been provided concerning the anonymous MK. A joint investigation team involving the Shin Bet and the police was established, but it has not yet commenced operations as the Shin Bet has not transferred the relevant materials to the police.

Concurrently, the Mossad (Israel's national intelligence agency) assisted the Shin Bet in examining suspicions that Qatar might be funding the implicated lawmaker. However, this investigation did not substantiate the claim, and the Mossad has concluded its involvement. Investigators currently believe the Palestinian Authority is the source of the funds.

The developments follow a dispute between the Likud party and the Attorney General regarding the investigation's conduct. Likud has joined calls from the 'Lavi Organization' to expedite the probe, demanding that the Shin Bet's hands not be tied and that the Arab lawmakers and their aides be questioned. The Attorney General's office refuted claims of delaying the investigation, stating that significant investigative actions have been approved and that the joint team will proceed swiftly. The office affirmed that anyone needing to be questioned will be questioned.