Sohlberg: Secret Intel Not Yet Evidence in Shin Bet Election Probe

Justice Noam Sohlberg, Chairman of the Central Elections Committee, stated in a letter to committee members on Thursday that classified information presented in the Shin Bet's investigation into alleged election bribery has not yet materialized into concrete evidence. "This information requires continued intensive investigation until its full extent is revealed," Sohlberg wrote, adding that the current evidentiary situation is similar to that presented before a public statement last week. He noted that cooperation between the Shin Bet, Israel Police, and the Attorney General's office is good, and that the Attorney General's office has not refused any investigation requests from the Shin Bet. Sohlberg assured that any future requests based on legal suspicion would be handled quickly and efficiently to uncover the truth.

Sohlberg also addressed recent media leaks concerning the investigation, asserting that they have repeatedly harmed the probe, particularly its security aspects. "Such a leak is a chronic illness. I strongly criticized this today. The public deserves for us to exhaust the investigation," he stated. The police recently submitted an opinion regarding the investigation into foreign interference in elections, casting doubt on the feasibility of a criminal or security case. This opinion was sent ahead of a meeting with the investigative team established by Sohlberg, which includes representatives from the National Fraud Unit, the Shin Bet, and the State Attorney's Office. The team met again on Thursday, with the Shin Bet reporting they possess additional evidence.