Shin Bet Probes Suspected Foreign Interference in Elections

The Shin Bet is investigating suspicions of foreign interference in the recent elections, focusing on allegations that hundreds of thousands of shekels were transferred from Qatar to an entity associated with the Joint List party. The investigation aims to determine if this money was used for campaign activities, to energize activists, or potentially to pay voters. This information was known to Shin Bet chief David Zinai, who had previously stated that the elections were conducted admirably and under supervision. Similarly, Dean Livna, acting director-general of the Election Committee, asserted that there was no suspicion of systematic damage to the integrity of the elections. The Shin Bet is responsible for thwarting events that could compromise election integrity, and they decided to continue their investigation without intervention, as no immediate threat to election integrity requiring intervention was identified.

Election Committee officials reported that Solberg was updated on the matter by Zinai and subsequently issued a letter demanding a thorough investigation and prompt results due to the need to publish official outcomes. In a separate investigation, the Lahav 433 anti-corruption unit arrested three Ra'am activists carrying envelopes of cash overnight between Monday and Tuesday. They are suspected of using the money to pay voters, and their detention has been extended until Sunday. However, investigators are currently skeptical about the criminal evidence needed to prove the money was intended as election bribery rather than for paying activists or other purposes. Four additional suspects named in the investigation were arrested and later released to house arrest.

Senior officials within the Election Committee stated that the Shin Bet's investigation would not alter the election results. Meanwhile, the Likud party claimed that "Arab parties stole the elections."