Shin Bet Chief Warns of Iranian Attempts to Interfere in Israeli Elections

Shin Bet chief David Zini has issued a warning about attempts by Iran and other foreign countries to interfere in Israel's upcoming elections. In a series of meetings with senior Israeli officials, Zini expressed deep concern over efforts to disrupt the electoral process, describing the elections as the second most troubling issue for the Shin Bet after the threat of large-scale terror attacks. He emphasized that the agency is dedicating significant resources to prevent any interference.

Zini is scheduled to present classified information to a special Knesset subcommittee on intelligence, alongside Noam Solberg, the chairman of the Central Elections Committee and deputy Supreme Court president. The discussion, convened by Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chair Boaz Bismuth, will focus on hostile states' attempts to influence the elections and include data on covert financial flows aimed at political manipulation within Israel.

Earlier warnings about election interference came from the National Cyber Directorate and were echoed by President Isaac Herzog, who highlighted threats to election integrity presented by Zini and Solberg. The Knesset committee aims to explore all available means to counter these foreign threats and ensure the elections proceed without disruption.