Election Probe: No Concrete Evidence of Foreign Influence Yet, Says Judge Sohlberg
Translated & summarized from Haaretz by baba
The Chairman of the Central Elections Committee, Judge Noam Sohlberg, stated that classified information on suspected foreign influence in elections has not yet produced concrete evidence. He emphasized the need for continued intensive investigation, while also criticizing media leaks that harm the probe. Reports indicate the Shin Bet is using unusual technological means, but senior law enforcement officials have questioned the investigation's security and criminal nature. Shin Bet head David Zini insists funds were used to influence elections.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Judge Noam Sohlberg stated classified information on foreign election influence has not yielded concrete evidence.
- Sohlberg stressed the need for continued intensive investigation into the matter.
- He criticized media leaks of investigation details as harmful to the probe's security aspects.
- Shin Bet head David Zini reportedly uses unusual technology and prioritizes the investigation.
- Senior law enforcement officials question the investigation's security and criminal basis.
- Zini insists funds were funneled to influence elections, despite criticism.
The Chairman of the Central Elections Committee, Judge Noam Sohlberg, informed committee members on Thursday that classified information presented by the Shin Bet regarding suspected foreign influence on elections has not yet yielded "concrete evidence," and may not do so. However, he stressed that the information necessitates "intensive continued investigation until its exhaustion."
Sohlberg stated that he found no refusal by the Legal Advisor to the Government to the Shin Bet's investigation requests. He noted that the evidentiary situation at this stage is similar to what was presented to the committee before his statement last week with Shin Bet head David Zini and Legal Advisor to the Government Gali Baharav-Miara, when he clarified that even if suspicions were confirmed, it would not invalidate the election results.
The committee chairman praised the cooperation between the Shin Bet, the police, and the Legal Advisor to the Government. He was assured that "any request submitted, based on suspicion as required by law, will be examined quickly and efficiently, with the aim of pursuing the truth and in accordance with the law."
Regarding media reports on the investigation, Sohlberg emphasized a significant gap between reality and how the investigation has been portrayed. He also lamented leaks of investigation details, calling the phenomenon a "vicious cycle" that repeatedly harms the investigation, particularly its security aspects. He cited an instance where details of a classified opinion were leaked to the media before it even reached its intended recipient.
Reports from the previous day indicated that Shin Bet head Zini is employing unusual technological means in the investigation, even authorizing an operational unit for evidence gathering, prioritizing it over other national security tasks. Last week, senior law enforcement officials stated that the Shin Bet had not yet provided substantial information to corroborate Zini's claims of foreign influence, suggesting the matter was "certainly not a security issue, and it is highly doubtful if it is criminal."
Despite criticism from senior law enforcement and police officials regarding his approach, Zini and his deputy reportedly continue to assert in closed discussions that this is "one of the most serious cases" and insist that funds were funneled to sway the elections.
Mentioned
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Left 1Centre 3Right 1Haredi 1Other 1
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
