PM's Office Provided Intel on Ra'am Activists Arrested on Election Day

Information regarding the arrest of Ra'am party activists on election day, on suspicion of election bribery, originated from the Prime Minister's office. Ido Norden, acting chief of staff to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, transferred intelligence information to the police about the activists who were detained on suspicion of election bribery. The police admitted in court on election day that they did not have search warrants for the activists' homes at the time of their arrest, yet searches were conducted.

On election morning, the police announced the raid, stating they found envelopes containing money alongside ballots in the homes of three detainees: Ibrahim Al-Gribi, Hussein Masoudin, and Siaf Abu Riash. Netanyahu and the Likud party used this to claim an attempt to steal the election. The Election Commission, however, emphasized that the suspicions being investigated do not relate to harming election integrity and there are no indications of vote manipulation or bribery.

Four of the suspects, including three school principals, were released to house arrest shortly after their detention. The three arrested on election morning are being held until Sunday, but are expected to be released as well. A Supreme Court judge rejected an appeal by Abu Riash, citing the weight of evidence and fear of obstructing the investigation as reasons for extending his detention, though the court stated it does not typically handle such cases.

Police sources indicate that significant evidence has not yet been consolidated in the case, despite the morning announcements and public attention. The police were criticized for rushing arrests before polling stations opened without sufficient evidence. While one court initially released a doctor suspect to house arrest, a higher court overturned this. The defense argued that the envelopes found contained donations for needy families and that the money was for personal use, drawing parallels to practices by other parties.

One relative of Abu Riash attributed the increased voter turnout to Minister Ben-Gvir's actions, claiming fear for their lives prompted Bedouin citizens to vote. A Bedouin source from the Negev described a system where Arab parties, particularly Ra'am, allegedly offer financial assistance of 200 to 300 shekels to impoverished residents before elections, disguised as aid for the needy, in exchange for support. This source also mentioned fuel vouchers for rides to polling stations. Some residents reportedly view this as economic assistance due to hardship, not election bribery, questioning the uproar and suggesting it's due to their Arab identity and growing political influence.