Shin Bet Reports Foreign Interference in Israeli Elections
Translated & summarized from Mignews by baba
Israel's Shin Bet security service has informed the Central Elections Committee of evidence pointing to foreign interference and funding in recent elections. While the agency cited "thousands of people" and foreign entities with "hostile interests," law enforcement sources expressed doubt about the scale. The announcement came after election results were approved, leading to calls from Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir for arrests and a halt to government formation, while the Attorney General accused the Shin Bet head of undermining the rule of law.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Shin Bet reports widespread foreign funding and influence operations involving thousands of people in Israeli elections.
- Law enforcement sources expressed skepticism regarding the scale of alleged foreign interference.
- Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir demanded arrests of Arab party leaders and called the elections "falsified."
- The Attorney General accused Shin Bet head David Zini of attempting to undermine the rule of law.
- The Central Elections Committee approved election results after finding no significant irregularities.
The Shin Bet security service has informed the Central Elections Committee (CEC) that gathered information indicates widespread foreign funding and influence operations involving "thousands of people, perhaps more." However, the agency stated that further investigation is required to determine the full scope of the alleged activities. According to The Jerusalem Post, the funds originated from foreign countries and individuals with "hidden and even hostile interests," aimed at promoting foreign influence, though specific countries and participants were not identified.
Sources within law enforcement and police, speaking to Haaretz, expressed skepticism about the scale of the operation, stating they were unaware of "huge sums" or "thousands of people" being involved. One source questioned the discrepancy, noting that if such large sums were involved, it should have been prevented, especially after the election day declaration of a secure voting process by the head of the Shin Bet, David Zini.
The Shin Bet's statement came after the CEC's presidium voted to approve the election results, having found no irregularities that would alter the outcome. Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, leader of the Otzma Yehudit party, reacted by demanding the arrest and interrogation of Arab party leaders without the Attorney General's approval and called for a halt to government formation, claiming the elections were "falsified." He vowed to leave "no stone unturned" in uncovering the "truth."
The election results are set to be presented to President Yitzhak Herzog, who will then begin consultations with party leaders. The Shin Bet's announcement followed reports of plans to question four Arab politicians, while the Likud party accused the Attorney General of obstructing the investigation. The Attorney General, in turn, issued a sharp statement accusing Shin Bet head David Zini of attempting to undermine the rule of law.
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