Professor Calls Netanyahu's Handling of Foreign Election Interference Allegations a 'Brilliant Move'

Professor Moshe Cohen Eliya commented on a dramatic letter sent by Election Committee Chairman Judge Noam Sohlberg to Shin Bet head David Zini, calling for an investigation into suspected foreign election bribery. Eliya suggested that Prime Minister Netanyahu is leveraging the Qatari funding issue to boost Arab voter turnout, aiming to delegitimize any potential move to replace the Knesset speaker by labeling it as foreign interference. "Politically, a brilliant move," Eliya stated.

Judge Sohlberg's letter, which instructed Zini to investigate allegations of foreign funding and bribery, was prompted by "exceptionally serious" information presented by Zini. Sohlberg emphasized the need to investigate these suspicions to safeguard the integrity of the Knesset elections and prevent illegal activities that could undermine the democratic system. He noted that while he could not attest to the nature of the suspicions, the involvement of external actors necessitates a thorough inquiry.

Sohlberg explicitly directed Zini to use the Shin Bet's resources to find evidence or dismiss the allegations, ensuring public trust in the electoral process. He demanded a report on the investigation's findings within one week due to the tight election timeline. The judge did not specify the identity of the alleged foreign entity involved in interfering with the elections or providing bribes.

Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, described Sohlberg's letter as an "unprecedented and dramatic event" and urged law enforcement agencies to act swiftly to uncover the truth.