Shin Bet Knew of Bribery Suspicions But Declared Elections Clean
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The Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) is under fire for allegedly knowing about potential voter bribery and foreign funding before the recent Knesset elections but declaring them "clean." Shin Bet head David Zini briefed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot on the suspicions. The agency has not officially commented on why it did not act on the intelligence prior to the election day declaration. President Isaac Herzog stated that suspicions must be fully investigated and criminals punished.
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- Shin Bet allegedly knew of voter bribery suspicions before elections but declared them clean.
- Shin Bet head David Zini briefed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on "substantiated" suspicions.
- Central Election Commission Chairman Noam Solberg demanded an investigation into foreign funding and bribery.
- President Isaac Herzog stated that suspicions must be fully investigated and criminals punished.
- Shin Bet has not officially commented on the timing of its intelligence disclosure.
The Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) is facing scrutiny after intelligence suggesting potential voter bribery and foreign funding emerged before the Knesset elections, yet the agency declared the elections "clean" on election day. Two sources linked to the Shin Bet confirmed to Ynet that the agency received intelligence about the possible illegal transfer of large sums of money prior to voting. Despite this, on election day, the Shin Bet reported no significant violations. Representatives from the Shin Bet attended Central Election Commission meetings but did not disclose their intelligence regarding potential irregularities. As vote counting continues, the Shin Bet has refrained from making official statements about the ongoing investigation.
Following a meeting with Supreme Court Justice Noam Solberg, Chairman of the Central Election Commission, on October 28, Solberg reportedly demanded that the Shin Bet investigate suspicions of foreign funding and bribery by foreign entities. Shin Bet sources indicated that an investigation had been underway for several days, kept secret until funds were transferred. The agency declined to comment officially.
On the evening of October 28, Shin Bet head David Zini also met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, presenting him with "substantiated" suspicions. The following morning, Zini briefed Gadi Eisenkot, Chairman of the Yashar party, about the investigation into suspected foreign interference.
Questions have arisen regarding why the Shin Bet's intelligence did not prevent the agency's head from declaring the elections "clean." Zini had previously stated on October 27 that the elections were proceeding securely and lawfully, with efforts to disrupt voting being successfully managed. The Shin Bet has not responded to inquiries about the timing of the information disclosure to the Election Commission and government, the nature of the intelligence, and why preventative actions were not taken.
President Isaac Herzog commented on October 29, stating that "evidence and suspicions must be investigated to the end, and criminals punished to the fullest extent of the law." He confirmed speaking with Solberg and Zini and is closely monitoring developments. Herzog also urged parliamentary factions to prioritize the state's interests when forming a government.
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