Israeli Election Chief: Secret Intel Lacks Evidentiary Value
Translated & summarized from Arab48 by baba
Israeli Central Elections Committee President Noam Sohlberg stated that secret intelligence from the Shin Bet regarding foreign interference in elections has not yet become concrete evidence. He noted a significant gap between media reports and the actual investigation, which is ongoing. Sohlberg confirmed cooperation among security and legal bodies and condemned recent leaks of sensitive information, emphasizing the need for the investigation to conclude.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israeli Election Committee President Noam Sohlberg stated secret Shin Bet intelligence lacks evidentiary value.
- Sohlberg highlighted a vast gap between media reports and the actual investigation into election interference.
- The Shin Bet's investigation into foreign interference suspicions is ongoing, with Sohlberg monitoring progress.
- Sohlberg thanked the Shin Bet for its crucial role in protecting the elections and information security.
- He condemned leaks of confidential information, calling them a serious affliction harming the investigation.
The President of Israel's Central Elections Committee, Judge Noam Sohlberg, stated on Thursday that secret information provided by the Shin Bet security agency to the committee has not yet risen to the level of actual evidence and "may never do so." He emphasized a "vast gap" between media reports and the actual investigation.
Sohlberg explained that the current evidentiary situation is similar to that presented to the committee before its recent statement to the media, in which he affirmed the integrity of the elections. This statement followed mediation between the Shin Bet chief, David Zini, and the Legal Advisor to the Government, Gali Baharav-Miara.
In a briefing titled "Update on the Ongoing Investigation and the Special Investigation Team," Sohlberg noted that while the 26th Knesset has convened, his work on the matter is not finished. He acknowledged the Shin Bet's extensive investigation into suspicions raised regarding foreign interference.
Sohlberg detailed his direct engagement with the special investigation team, including representatives from the Shin Bet, Israel Police, and the State Attorney's Office, to receive firsthand updates. He expressed regret over the largely inaccurate media publications, stating that much of the information circulating is imprecise.
He reiterated that intelligence information presented to him after the elections, which raised serious suspicions, prompted him to order a comprehensive investigation. Sohlberg thanked the Shin Bet and its head for their invaluable assistance during the election campaign, highlighting their role in protecting the elections and maintaining information security.
Regarding the investigation's progress, Sohlberg confirmed good cooperation between the Shin Bet, police, and the Attorney General's office, refuting any claims of rejected investigation requests. He assured that all legally grounded requests would be promptly reviewed. Sohlberg pledged to continue monitoring the investigation, address any obstacles, and disclose findings to the public when possible without compromising state security or the investigation itself. He urged the public to treat media reports with extreme caution due to the significant discrepancy between reporting and the investigation's reality.
Finally, Sohlberg condemned a recent leak of a confidential advisory opinion before it reached its intended recipients, calling such leaks a "serious affliction" that repeatedly harms the investigation, particularly its security aspects. He stated that the public deserves to see the investigation through to its conclusion.
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