Israeli Attorney General: No Evidence Foreign Election Interference Changed Results

Israel's Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara stated on Sunday that there is no evidence to suggest that suspected foreign interference in the electoral process affected or could have changed election results. She emphasized that any new information would be examined according to legal procedures. Baharav-Miara clarified that the available data does not provide a basis, even remotely, for claiming that the suspected interference impacted the election outcomes or had the capacity to alter them. She added that she does not rule out examining any additional information not previously presented, assuring that relevant authorities will handle it lawfully. The Attorney General stressed that decisions to open criminal investigations are based solely on evidence and professional considerations, free from political motives, in response to accusations of political considerations behind the investigations. "When a basis of evidence is available, everyone who should be investigated will be investigated," she stated, adding that the matter is not about right or left, or Jews or Arabs, but about a professional, objective, and equal decision. She confirmed that law enforcement agencies are coordinating fully with the Central Elections Committee to ensure the integrity of the electoral process, noting that the committee's chairman is responsibly and professionally following the issue and will be updated on any new developments. Baharav-Miara's remarks come amid disagreements within the Shin Bet regarding an investigation into suspicions of corruption and bribery in the Arab community. Channel 13 reported, citing sources familiar with the investigation, that Shin Bet head David Zini has not yet provided materials supporting some of his statements on the matter. These sources also indicated difficulty in distinguishing between intelligence information and legal evidence suitable for opening a criminal investigation, warning that the case might conclude without tangible results. Conversely, individuals close to Zini rejected these criticisms, asserting that the Shin Bet aims to deepen the investigation but faces limitations, and that the materials he provided are sufficient for investigating individuals in connection with the case.