Israel Election Chief Demands Shin Bet Probe Foreign Interference Claims

The alleged interference includes foreign funding and voter bribery.

In a letter to Zini, Sohlberg stated that he had received serious suspicions of improper influence on the elections by foreign entities acting against Israel's interests. While not judging the validity of these claims, Sohlberg emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to ensure election integrity and prevent subversive activities aimed at undermining the democratic state.

Sohlberg instructed Zini to utilize the Shin Bet's capabilities to gather evidence, either confirming or refuting the suspicions, and to provide the findings, if any, within approximately one week, considering the ongoing vote counting. The letter did not specify the foreign countries or organizations allegedly involved, nor did it name any Israeli parties that might have benefited.

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yashar Party, confirmed he is in contact with relevant bodies and receiving information about the alleged foreign interference. He stressed Israel's obligation to protect election purity but cautioned against using the situation for political maneuvering regarding the Knesset's swearing-in.

The Likud party reacted strongly, calling the situation a "political earthquake" and claiming the elections were "stolen." Likud asserted that foreign forces interfered and bribed voters in favor of Arab parties, describing it as an unprecedented "terror attack against democracy" aimed at foreign control of the Knesset, "Islamization of Israel," and overthrowing the right-wing government. Likud demanded an immediate investigation by the Shin Bet and police, stating that no Zionist party should cooperate with Ra'am or the United Arab List, or form a government deemed dangerous to Israel, given these alleged foreign attempts to seize control of the Knesset.