Israeli Election Chief Seeks Probe into Foreign Funding, Qatar Suspected
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Israeli Election Committee Chairman Noam Sohlberg has asked the Shin Bet to investigate suspicions of foreign funding and electoral bribery, with Qatar and the Muslim Brotherhood being investigated for potentially influencing Arab voters. Several arrests have already been made in the Negev on suspicion of vote-buying for the United Arab List. Political figures have called for further action against Arab party leaders, while others have warned against political exploitation of the issue.
הידיעה ב-4 שורות · תקציר של baba
- Israeli Election Chairman Sohlberg requested a Shin Bet probe into foreign funding and bribery potentially involving Qatar.
- Police previously arrested three individuals in the Negev on suspicion of electoral bribery for the United Arab List.
- Political leaders have called for interrogations of Arab party leaders and warned against exploiting the issue.
- No definitive conclusions have been reached regarding Qatari funding or vote-buying allegations.
In a letter sent Thursday, Sohlberg informed Zini of serious suspicions regarding illicit interference in the elections by a foreign entity believed to be acting against Israel's interests. While not specifying the nature of the suspicions, Sohlberg emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to preserve the integrity of the Knesset elections and prevent illegal activities targeting the democratic system. He has given the Shin Bet one week to provide initial findings, a tight deadline for a complex financial investigation that typically requires extensive cross-border cooperation and can take months.
Sohlberg's request followed a meeting with Zini, during which the Shin Bet chief presented intelligence data. This, along with materials reportedly held by the Likud party, prompted the call for an investigation.
No definitive results confirming Qatari interference or the involvement of specific entities have been announced yet.
Prior to the elections, police arrested three Bedouin residents in the Negev, including a doctor and a driver, on suspicion of electoral bribery. Tens of thousands of shekels in cash, along with envelopes and papers, were seized during searches of their homes. Authorities suspect the detainees planned to distribute money in exchange for votes for the United Arab List. Additional suspects were reportedly arrested later in connection with this case.
Following Sohlberg's letter, Bezalel Smotrich, leader of the Religious Zionism party, called for the interrogation of Arab party leaders by the Shin Bet, deeming the suspicions of foreign Islamic funding a "test for the State of Israel." Itamar Ben-Gvir, head of the Otzma Yehudit party, demanded the arrest of Arab party leaders suspected of ties to Qatari funds, as well as other suspects including individuals from the Muslim Brotherhood, provided there is a legal basis for arrest.
Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the "Yachad" party, urged the protection of election integrity from any interference or deception, calling for a deep examination of all complaints. He cautioned against allowing political factions to exploit the issue to influence the swearing-in of the 26th Knesset. Avigdor Lieberman, head of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, described Sohlberg's letter as a "dramatic and unprecedented event" and urged authorities to act swiftly to uncover the truth.
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