Netanyahu's Office Accused of Providing Intel Leading to Ra'am Activist Arrests
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
An investigation by Channel 12 News claims information from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office led to the arrest of Ra'am party activists on election day, with suspicions later deemed exaggerated. Separately, Shin Bet chief David Zini's request to wiretap five Arab MKs was denied amid election interference probes. Senior officials expressed concern over the conduct, with one activist detained for six days before release. The Shin Bet confirmed investigating foreign influence suspicions.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Netanyahu's office allegedly provided intelligence leading to the arrest of Ra'am activists on election day.
- Shin Bet chief David Zini's request to wiretap five Arab MKs was denied by the Attorney General's office.
- Suspicions leading to the Ra'am activists' arrests were later found to be exaggerated, according to the report.
- An activist was detained for six days before a court ordered his release.
- Senior law enforcement officials expressed concern that the actions undermine fair elections.
An investigation by Channel 12 News alleges that information originating from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office was instrumental in the arrest of Ra'am party activists on election day. According to the report, the chief of staff in Netanyahu's office directed the police to an intelligence source who provided information on the activists. The arrests, which included Ra'am activist Abu Riash and two others, were reportedly based on suspicions of large sums of money and Ra'am ballots intended to incentivize voting, though the report suggests these suspicions were later found to be exaggerated. Prime Minister Netanyahu repeatedly publicized the arrests during election day.
Simultaneously, the report reveals that Shin Bet chief David Zini requested authorization to wiretap five Arab members of Knesset (MKs) as part of an investigation into alleged foreign interference in the elections. This request was denied by the office of the Attorney General. Subsequent findings indicated no substantial evidence of foreign interference that would compromise the integrity of the elections.
Concerns have been raised among senior figures in the Shin Bet and law enforcement regarding the described conduct. One senior official told Channel 12 that such actions undermine the fairness of future elections. Abu Riash was detained for six days before a court ordered his release. During his detention, police claimed significant findings were discovered at his home, despite a search conducted without a warrant yielding nothing. The police also reportedly questioned his dual role as a doctor and organizer of home study groups as "problematic." He was allegedly prevented from voting on election day.
The Shin Bet issued a statement confirming that, under the direction of the Central Elections Committee chairman, they investigated serious suspicions of subversive activities and foreign influence related to the elections, acting within their legal authority. They stated that publications regarding investigation targets or methods are not from the Shin Bet.
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