Election Interference Probe Lacks Concrete Evidence, Says Israeli Official
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS Arabic by baba
Knesset Central Elections Committee Chairman Noam Sohlberg reported on Thursday that a Shin Bet investigation into suspected election interference has not yet produced concrete evidence. Despite the lack of tangible proof, Sohlberg stressed the need for continued intensive investigation and condemned the leaking of classified information. He also addressed and refuted claims of poor cooperation between the Shin Bet and the Attorney General's office.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Knesset Elections Committee Chairman Noam Sohlberg stated the election interference probe lacks concrete evidence.
- Sohlberg confirmed the Shin Bet investigation into suspected election interference is ongoing.
- He criticized the leaking of classified information related to the investigation.
- Sohlberg denied claims of a lack of cooperation between the Shin Bet and the Attorney General.
- He pledged to release findings publicly when possible without harming security.
Knesset Central Elections Committee Chairman Noam Sohlberg announced on Thursday that an ongoing investigation by the Shin Bet into suspected interference in the recent elections has not yet yielded concrete evidence. Sohlberg stated that while classified information presented so far has not amounted to tangible proof, it warrants continued, intensive investigation. He also strongly criticized the leaking of classified information related to the probe, calling it a "serious plague" that harms the investigation, particularly its security aspects.
Sohlberg addressed claims of a lack of cooperation between the Shin Bet and the Attorney General, clarifying that he found no evidence that the Attorney General had rejected any investigation requests from the Shin Bet. He received assurances that any legally sound request would be promptly and efficiently reviewed to uncover the truth.
The committee chairman highlighted a specific incident where key details of a classified opinion regarding the investigation were leaked to electronic media before it officially reached the relevant parties, including the Central Elections Committee. Sohlberg emphasized the public's right to see the investigation through to its conclusion.
Looking ahead, Sohlberg pledged to continue monitoring the investigation's progress and to remove any obstacles. He committed to releasing findings that can be made public without compromising the investigation or state security. He also cautioned the public against relying on media reports about the probe, noting a significant discrepancy between published accounts and the actual progress of the investigation.
