Shin Bet Investigates Foreign Interference in Elections Beyond Qatar

The Shin Bet is investigating potential involvement by additional countries, beyond Qatar, in attempts to influence recent Israeli elections. This probe follows the accumulation of intelligence indicating that at least two other nations may have actively intervened through illicit means.

Shin Bet chief David Zini reportedly informed Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and Election Committee Chairman Judge Noam Sohlberg several weeks ago about general intelligence regarding foreign influence attempts. As more intelligence gathered, indicating a need for overt investigation, Zini first updated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before meeting with Sohlberg.

Sources within the Election Committee stated that the information under review is insufficient to impact the election results, dismissing claims of systematic bias or vote theft as political manipulation. They affirmed that election results will be submitted to the President as scheduled, pending the investigation's outcome.

The Shin Bet confirmed the investigation is focused and limited, asserting it does not cast doubt on any segment of the electorate. The agency is examining evidence related to the transfer of funds, identifying multiple sources and recipients, including potential links to crime families or Arab political figures. The Mossad is not involved in this investigation, though it has been briefed.

Earlier, the Election Committee chairman had formally instructed the Shin Bet to open an investigation into suspected foreign funding and election bribery by Qatar. The Shin Bet clarified that its intelligence gathering is part of its legal mandate to detect foreign influence and does not originate from any political party.