Shin Bet Investigates MK Ayman Odeh for Alleged Foreign Funding

Shin Bet is investigating Member of Knesset Ayman Odeh for allegedly receiving money from a foreign entity, as part of a broader probe into suspected foreign interference in elections. The investigation was first reported by N12. Earlier, i24NEWS reported that Shin Bet head David Zini requested to investigate leaders of Arab parties, including Ahmed Tibi, Mansour Abbas, and Sami Abu Shehadeh, in addition to another MK, now revealed to be Odeh.

Odeh responded to the allegations, calling it "political persecution" that would "quickly become a bloated balloon that will burst in their faces." He added, "The most important thing now is to continue to act responsibly, with determination and consistency to fundamentally replace this government."

Central Elections Committee Chairman Judge Noam Sohlberg approved Zini's request to use special technological and surveillance capabilities for the investigation, despite opposition from Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. Zini accused the Attorney General of obstructing the investigation. Baharav-Miara issued a public statement asserting that "in a state of law, citizens or public officials cannot be investigated without evidence." She added that the Shin Bet had not transferred investigation materials to a special team for two days, hindering progress.

The Likud party criticized Baharav-Miara, stating she was "trying to hide the truth from the citizens of Israel." Opposition Leader Yair Lapid accused the government of attempting to "crush democracy and steal the elections with the help of the government's stooges in the security system."

President Isaac Herzog expressed confidence in the Shin Bet's work, stating, "Any suspicion of subversive external influence on election results must be thoroughly investigated." He confirmed he had spoken with both Zini and Baharav-Miara and believed they would work together. Herzog also cautioned against generalizing or making racist remarks about the Arab community.