Shin Bet Chief Criticizes Attorney General Over Election Interference Probe Delay
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Shin Bet Chief David Zini criticized Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara for delaying an investigation into suspected foreign interference in elections, claiming up to 100 million shekels were transferred to influence voters. Zini expressed frustration over the lack of approved suspect interrogations despite what he described as significant evidence. Baharav-Miara stated investigations require a proper evidentiary basis, while Zini believes intelligence gathered is sufficient. The suspicions involve funds allegedly funneled through the Palestinian Authority to aid specific parties, though they remain unproven.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Shin Bet Chief David Zini criticized Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara over election interference probe delays.
- Zini claims hostile elements transferred up to 100 million shekels to influence voting.
- He expressed frustration that no suspect has been cleared for investigation despite evidence.
- The Attorney General requires a proper evidentiary basis for investigations.
- Suspicions involve funds allegedly channeled through the Palestinian Authority to aid specific parties.
Shin Bet Chief David Zini has sharply criticized Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and the organization's legal advisor over delays in investigating suspected foreign interference in elections. The report, by Channel 12 reporter Amit Segal, states that Zini told Judge Noam Solberg that hostile elements transferred up to 100 million shekels to influence voting, yet no suspect has been cleared for investigation.
Zini questioned the need for further justification, citing the widespread nature of the alleged interference, which involved security elements, multiple parties, and suspects linked to terrorism. He explained that initial information was received near the elections, with additional evidence emerging later, describing it as a "small and deadly pistol" of evidence. On election day itself, reports indicated offers of money or fuel cards to voters in exchange for their ballot.
The dispute with the Attorney General centers on the required evidentiary threshold for launching investigations and employing special measures. The Shin Bet believes its intelligence warrants advancing the probe, while Baharav-Miara insists on a proper evidentiary basis. She stated that while anyone needing to be investigated will be, individuals will not be investigated without sufficient evidence.
According to Zini's suspicions, funds were channeled through the Palestinian Authority to influence votes for the Ra'am and Joint List parties. However, these suspicions have not been proven and do not, in themselves, cast doubt on the election results.
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