Shin Bet Probes Suspected Foreign Funding of Election Campaign

The Chairman of the Election Committee, Judge Solberg, has ordered the head of the Shin Bet, David Zinai, to investigate suspicions of extensive foreign funding aimed at influencing the results of the Israeli elections. The allegations suggest that funds from Arab entities were transferred to increase voter turnout in the Arab community through illegal means. Solberg has demanded an urgent inquiry to gather evidence that either supports or refutes these suspicions, with findings to be presented within the coming week.

Yishai Almokais, the military correspondent for Makor Rishon, added details to the report, stating that on election day, there were no signs or intelligence indicating foreign influence, which is why Zinai initially made his statement to the Election Committee. Almokais further reported that Zinai approached Solberg the previous day with intelligence pointing to foreign influence and requested authorization to open an investigation. Following this, Solberg issued the directive to proceed with the probe. Almokais clarified that, in his understanding, the Shin Bet's investigation is unrelated to ballot box disturbances, fuel cards, and envelopes containing cash, which are being handled by the police.

However, other journalists have distanced themselves from Almokais's report. Barak Ravid, News 12's correspondent in the US, criticized the report, stating it was "simply not true" and that the investigation had actually begun several days prior, based on intelligence gathered before the elections.