Shin Bet Chief's Request to Investigate Arab Party Leaders Sparks Political Firestorm

A political storm has erupted following reports that Shin Bet chief David Zini requested to investigate four senior Arab party politicians under caution, citing suspicions of foreign interference in elections. The request has reportedly led to a dispute between Zini and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara over the handling of the investigation.

According to reports, Zini sought to question a senior Arab party Knesset member, Ta'al chairman Ahmad Tibi, Ra'am chairman Mansour Abbas, and Balad chairman Sami Abu Shehadeh. While there is reportedly consensus on significant evidence against the unnamed senior Knesset member, who is expected to be investigated under caution, the Attorney General has allegedly requested further evidence before approving investigations into the others.

The controversy, first revealed by N12, has ignited a sharp political clash. Central Elections Committee Chairman, Justice Noam Sohlberg, reportedly approved Zini's request to employ special investigative capabilities, including technological and surveillance tools.

Baharav-Miara denied allegations of delaying investigations, stating, "The claim that is being made against the prosecution that I am delaying investigative actions, this claim is false. Investigative actions have been taken in accordance with the law. The process is moving forward." The Shin Bet stated, "All Shin Bet operations are carried out in accordance with the law. We will not detail operational tools and methods which are classified, and this does not confirm the accuracy of the details in your report."

Ra'am chairman Mansour Abbas criticized the move, calling it an attempt to stigmatize the Arab public and asserting that he and his party members fear no investigation. He urged state authorities to respect the voters' decision and act with statehood and responsibility. Gadi Eisenkot, Chairman of the Election Committee, criticized the Likud party, stating, "Woe to him who corrupts his authority and role for political considerations." He accused the Likud and Prime Minister Netanyahu of attempting to harm democracy and the rule of law.

The Likud party strongly attacked the Attorney General, accusing her of preventing necessary investigations and attempting to cover up the election interference. They claimed Baharav-Miara is preventing the Shin Bet from using investigative measures for security offenses and wants to hide this from the public, calling it selective enforcement. The Religious Zionism party also called for Baharav-Miara's removal from the case, suggesting she is obstructing a core Israeli democracy investigation.