Israel's Mossad Joins Probe into Alleged Foreign Election Interference

Israel's Mossad intelligence agency will join the investigation into suspicions that Qatar attempted to influence election results by spending tens of millions of shekels. The Shin Bet, which had prior intelligence on potential illicit fund transfers, requested the Mossad's assistance. The Mossad will specifically aid in aspects related to the organization's responsibilities and help determine if foreign states are connected to the alleged influence operations, which do not question the integrity of the vote itself but rather focus on propaganda campaigns.

Both Qatar and Turkey have denied any involvement. Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Majed Al-Ansari, stated that certain Israeli politicians and media figures are engaged in a disinformation campaign to drag Qatar into Israeli political disputes. He sarcastically remarked that if their accusations were true, Qatar would own all of Israel. Turkey also dismissed the claims as baseless and part of a deliberate disinformation campaign.

The investigation was initiated after the Chairman of the Central Elections Committee, Judge Noam Sohlberg, sent a letter to Shin Bet head David Zini. Sohlberg emphasized the importance of election integrity and the need to investigate suspicions involving external actors to prevent illegal activities that could undermine the democratic system.

However, Din Livneh, acting Director-General of the Elections Committee, clarified on behalf of Sohlberg that the elections were conducted lawfully and that ballot integrity was maintained. He added that statements from the Police Commissioner and the Shin Bet head after the election support this assessment.