Election Probe Lacks Concrete Evidence, Justice Sohlberg States
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Justice Noam Sohlberg stated that classified information presented in the probe into suspected foreign influence on elections has not yet matured into substantial evidence. He commended the Shin Bet for its efforts in protecting the elections and noted effective cooperation among investigative bodies. Sohlberg also criticized recent leaks of sensitive information, calling them harmful to the investigation.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Justice Noam Sohlberg stated election probe information has not yet matured into substantial evidence.
- Classified information has been presented, but its potential to become evidence remains uncertain.
- Sohlberg praised the Shin Bet's efforts in protecting the elections and their cooperation.
- He confirmed effective collaboration between the Shin Bet, police, and State Attorney's Office.
- Sohlberg strongly criticized recent leaks of sensitive investigation details.
- He urged the public to view media reports on the probe with skepticism.
Justice Noam Sohlberg, a member of the Central Elections Committee, has updated committee members on the ongoing investigation into suspected foreign influence on recent elections. He stated that while classified information has been presented, it has not yet "matured into substantial evidence" and may never do so, adding "time will tell." However, Sohlberg emphasized that this information necessitates continued intensive investigation until its exhaustion.
Sohlberg recalled that shortly after the elections, the head of the Shin Bet presented him with information raising suspicions, some very serious, related to the elections. He then instructed the Shin Bet to launch a comprehensive investigation to uncover the truth. He also commended the Shin Bet and its head for their extensive, though undisclosed, actions to protect the elections during the campaign period, calling their assistance "invaluable."
The investigation is ongoing, with classified information still being reviewed. Sohlberg noted the effective cooperation between the Shin Bet, the Israel Police, and the State Attorney's Office, confirming that no investigation requests from the Shin Bet were refused by the legal counsel. He was assured that all future requests based on legal suspicion would be promptly and efficiently reviewed with the aim of uncovering the truth.
Sohlberg pledged to continue monitoring the investigation's progress and to address any identified gaps or obstacles. He indicated that any findings that can be disclosed to the public without jeopardizing the investigation or national security will be revealed. He advised the public to approach media reports about the investigation with skepticism, noting a significant discrepancy between media portrayals and the actual investigative process.
In a critical remark, Sohlberg addressed recent leaks, specifically mentioning a classified legal opinion related to the investigation. He stated that the opinion's core elements were leaked to electronic media before it officially reached the Central Elections Committee, causing repeated harm to the investigation, particularly its security aspects. He stressed that such leaks are a "persistent illness" and that the public deserves to see the investigation through to its conclusion.
Mentioned
