Election Committee Chair Slams Leaks Jeopardizing Foreign Interference Probe

The Chairman of the Central Elections Committee, Judge Noam Sohlberg, issued a detailed update on the ongoing investigation into suspected foreign interference in the 26th Knesset elections. Sohlberg confirmed that the investigation, initiated after the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) presented him with serious suspicions shortly after the elections, is continuing with good cooperation between the Shin Bet, Israel Police, and the Attorney General's office. He emphasized that the Shin Bet head had committed to protecting the elections from the outset of the campaign, with many actions taken discreetly. Sohlberg acknowledged the contributions of the Central Elections Committee staff, the Shin Bet, and its director. He stated that while classified information has been presented, it has not yet solidified into concrete evidence, and it remains uncertain if it will. However, this information necessitates continued intensive investigation. The evidentiary situation is currently similar to that presented before a public statement last week. Sohlberg also addressed media reports, noting a significant gap between them and the actual investigation's progress. He revealed that a classified legal opinion related to the probe was leaked to the media before it officially reached the Elections Committee, causing considerable damage. "I am not complaining about manners, but about repeated harm to the investigation, especially its security aspects, due to leaks," Sohlberg stated, calling such leaks a "terrible disease" and stressing the public's need for the investigation to reach its conclusion. He pledged to remove any identified obstacles and to disclose findings to the public when possible without compromising the investigation or national security. The Shin Bet head, David Zini, has committed to following the Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara's directives and will provide necessary investigation materials promptly. The Elections Committee is monitoring the progress of the issues transferred to law enforcement agencies.