Israel's Shin Bet Chief and Attorney General Agree to De-escalate Tensions

President Isaac Herzog intervened in a public dispute between Shin Bet chief David Zini and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara concerning an investigation into Arab party leaders suspected of foreign interference in elections. Following the President's involvement, Zini and Baharav-Miara met and agreed to lower tensions and work towards proper working relations.

A political source clarified Baharav-Miara's earlier statement criticizing Zini for investigating public officials without evidence, stating it was a battle against using criminal law for political purposes, which could affect various groups including journalists and ordinary citizens.

The Shin Bet informed the Central Elections Committee that intelligence suggests extensive foreign funding from entities with hidden or hostile interests aimed at influencing elections. They indicated a need for further intelligence gathering and investigation to establish the scope of this phenomenon, which may involve thousands of people and significant sums.

However, police sources stated that the Shin Bet has not yet provided any intelligence or investigation findings. Despite serious allegations, the police have no current intention to summon Knesset members or party officials for questioning, including Ayman Odeh, even though there was reportedly consensus on having enough evidence to do so. A joint investigation team has not yet been formed, and the Attorney General has not approved an investigation against Odeh.

Police are awaiting information from the Shin Bet to determine if criminal suspicions exist and how to proceed with an investigation. The Shin Bet also reportedly requested to investigate other Arab party leaders, including Ahmad Tibi, Mansour Abbas, and Sami Abu Shehadeh, without presenting evidence, a demand Baharav-Miara deemed unlawful. She explained that the matter could not be pre-emptively classified as a national security offense, as election bribery allegations fall under criminal law, though security investigation tools could be used if evidence of security offenses emerges.

Despite the ongoing scrutiny, the Chairman of the Central Elections Committee, Justice Noam Sohlberg, stated that the recent elections were conducted properly and that any irregularities are being examined, with the results reflecting the voters' will.