Election Interference Probe: Evidence Not Yet Conclusive, Says Top Judge
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS by baba
Judge Noam Sohlberg, Chairman of the Central Elections Committee, announced that the Shin Bet's investigation into alleged election interference has not yet produced concrete evidence, though it requires continued effort. He strongly criticized the leaking of classified information related to the probe, calling it a "recurring illness." Sohlberg also addressed and dismissed claims of non-cooperation between the Shin Bet and the Attorney General's office, assuring that all valid requests would be handled efficiently. He pledged to release public findings when possible and warned of discrepancies in media reports.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Election interference probe has not yielded concrete evidence, says Judge Noam Sohlberg.
- Sohlberg strongly condemned leaks of classified information related to the investigation.
- He assured that the Attorney General's office is cooperating with the Shin Bet probe.
- The investigation requires continued intensive effort to uncover the truth, Sohlberg stated.
- He warned of significant discrepancies between media reports and the actual investigation.
The Chairman of the Central Elections Committee for the 26th Knesset, Judge Noam Sohlberg, provided an update to committee members on Thursday regarding the Shin Bet's investigation into alleged interference in the recent election. Sohlberg stated that the investigation is ongoing and that the classified information presented so far has not yet yielded concrete evidence. He added, "It may even be that they will not mature, time will tell." Sohlberg also strongly condemned the leaking of classified information related to the probe.
Sohlberg emphasized that despite the lack of conclusive evidence, the information necessitates continued, intensive investigation to fully uncover the truth. He addressed claims of a lack of cooperation between the Shin Bet and the Attorney General's office, stating that after reviewing the matter with the special investigation team, he found no instance where the Attorney General refused the Shin Bet's requests. He was assured that any legally based request would be examined quickly and efficiently to aid in the pursuit of truth.
The most severe criticism in Sohlberg's letter was directed at the leak of classified information. He detailed how, on Wednesday evening, he was informed that a classified opinion regarding the investigation was ready and would be delivered to him by courier the next day. However, shortly after, before the document reached its destination, its main points were published by electronic media, with the committee only receiving the opinion the following day. Sohlberg described such leaks as a "recurring illness" that harms the investigation, particularly its security aspects, and stressed the public's need for the investigation to be concluded.
Sohlberg concluded by affirming his commitment to monitoring the investigation's progress and removing any obstacles. He promised that findings that could be disclosed without compromising the investigation or national security would be published. He also cautioned against relying on media reports about the probe, noting a significant gap between published descriptions and the actual conduct of the investigation.
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