Mossad to Assist Shin Bet in Foreign Election Interference Probe

The Mossad intelligence agency will assist the Shin Bet security agency in investigating suspicions of foreign interference in Israeli elections. The Mossad's involvement will focus on intelligence matters within its purview, particularly concerning information related to Qatar. This investigation follows a briefing by Shin Bet head David Zini to Central Elections Committee Chairman Judge Noam Solberg. Solberg ordered the probe into allegations of foreign funding and electoral bribery, requesting findings within a week. The Shin Bet stated that the information was gathered independently and not from any political party. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Yesh Atid party leader Gadi Eisenkot, and Opposition Leader Yair Lapid have all been briefed on the investigation's details. The Central Elections Committee confirmed that the investigation does not impact the final election results and is not targeting any specific sector. The findings will be submitted to Judge Solberg for evaluation of their scope and implications. Qatar has issued a statement strongly denying any interference in the elections, asserting it would not be a scapegoat for Israeli politicians. Mansour Abbas, head of the United Arab List Ra'am, also denied any party involvement in the matter.