Shin Bet Clarifies Role in Foreign Election Interference Probe

The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) has issued a rare clarification regarding the ongoing investigation into alleged foreign interference in the 26th Knesset elections, dubbed "Ra'amgate." The agency revealed that its director, David Zini, personally briefed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Gadi Eisenkot, and Yair Lapid on the main suspicions.

These briefings were conducted with the approval and at the request of Judge Noam Sohlberg, the Chairman of the Central Elections Committee. The Shin Bet emphasized that prior to the election's conclusion, no one outside the agency, apart from Judge Sohlberg, was privy to the intelligence that initiated the probe.

Contrary to various reports, the intelligence was not sourced from any political party or entity. Instead, the Shin Bet stated the information was gathered independently as part of its mandate to detect foreign influence attempts. The agency stressed that the investigation is still active and that any statements regarding the content or nature of the suspicions do not represent the Shin Bet's findings.

The Shin Bet also addressed concerns raised within the Arab community, clarifying that the investigation is focused on individuals potentially involved in illegal activities, not on an entire sector. The agency affirmed that only those who acted unlawfully would be prosecuted, while the democratic and legal voting process of the broader community remains unaffected.

All findings will be presented to Judge Sohlberg, the designated authority for decision-making in this matter, upon the investigation's completion. The Shin Bet reiterated that its professional and legal teams are conducting the inquiry.