Ex-Shin Bet Deputy Slams Current Chief's Election Interference Probe
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Former Shin Bet Deputy Head Yisrael Hasson criticized current Shin Bet chief David Zini for his handling of election interference suspicions, calling his methods "crazy." Hasson questioned the intelligence basis for the claims and doubted Qatar's alleged interference. He suggested Zini should either provide evidence or retract his statements, while also noting perceived racist undertones in election discourse.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Former Shin Bet Deputy Head Yisrael Hasson criticized current chief David Zini's election interference probe.
- Hasson called Zini's approach to the investigation "performing brain surgery with an axe."
- He questioned the intelligence basis for suspicions of election interference.
- Hasson expressed skepticism about alleged Qatari interference in the elections.
- He urged Zini to either provide evidence or retract his statements.
- Hasson noted perceived racist undertones in election-related discourse.
Former Shin Bet Deputy Head Yisrael Hasson sharply criticized the current Shin Bet chief, David Zini, over his handling of suspicions regarding election interference. Speaking to 103fm, Hasson questioned the source of Zini's information and warned of potential damage to democracy. Hasson argued that the Shin Bet, with its extensive intelligence-gathering capabilities, should have been able to identify specific individuals if bribery for votes had occurred, rather than making broad statements. He likened Zini's approach to "performing brain surgery with an axe," calling it "crazy."
Hasson also expressed skepticism about the suspicion that Qatar interfered in Israel's elections. He reasoned that if Qatar was attempting to buy votes, a significant number of voters would have had to receive funds, given that one mandate represents approximately 40,000 voters. Hasson suggested that Zini has two options: either present concrete evidence to support his claims or, if none exists, state that clearly, as he did on election day regarding the election's integrity.
Hasson further speculated that other considerations might be behind the allegations, noting what he perceived as racist undertones in references to "them," "Arabs," and generalizations during the election. He urged a broader perspective, pointing to hospitals and pharmacies as examples of integrated societal elements.
