Shin Bet Chief's Election Interference Claims Rejected Amidst Political Tensions

Shin Bet chief David Zini requested a warning about potential changes to Knesset election results due to alleged foreign interference, but was rebuffed by the government's Legal Advisor, Gali Baharav-Miara, who cited a lack of evidence. The Shin Bet presented claims of extensive financial transfers involving thousands of individuals, though law enforcement agencies stated they had not received information to support or examine these allegations. Zini had argued for including a warning of potential impact on election outcomes during a meeting prior to a joint statement with the Legal Advisor and the Central Elections Committee chairman. Baharav-Miara strongly objected, stating Zini lacked the evidence for such a claim. The dispute was ultimately settled by Central Elections Committee Chairman Noam Sohlberg, who approved wording confirming the investigation would not affect the overall election results.

The revelations emerged amid ongoing disputes over Zini's investigation, coinciding with a Likud campaign to question election results, particularly the Arab community's vote, despite the Central Elections Committee's confirmation of the election's integrity. The Shin Bet also claimed to have presented information to the Central Elections Committee indicating foreign funds were transferred to Israel by entities with "hidden and hostile interests" to influence the elections. The agency suggested this foreign funding and influence was a widespread phenomenon involving "thousands of people, perhaps more," with "huge" sums of money. However, the Shin Bet acknowledged the need for further information gathering to confirm the scope of suspicions.

Reports attributed to Zini mentioned transfers of up to "100 million shekels" and questioned why an investigation into even one person was not permitted. He claimed the issue involved nationwide reach and security suspicions linked to several parties, along with intelligence received close to election day and on election day itself concerning payments or fuel cards. No published evidence has substantiated these claims or the amounts mentioned.

In contrast, Israeli broadcasters reported that the Central Elections Committee, police, and legal bodies had not seen the information underpinning the Shin Bet's assessment of widespread foreign funding. Investigating officials stated that the investigation was "tainted before it even began," clarifying that their knowledge was limited to a "small, specific incident" and that the Shin Bet had not provided additional materials for broader examination. The police confirmed they had not received any initial materials from the Shin Bet for professional analysis to determine criminal suspicions or establish an investigative path.

Regarding investigations into Arab party leaders, reports indicated that Ayman Odeh was being examined for allegedly receiving hundreds of thousands of shekels from the Palestinian Authority. However, police stated there was no current intention to summon Odeh or other Knesset members due to a lack of necessary intelligence. Odeh, who is currently abroad, has not been summoned, and the Legal Advisor has not approved his questioning. Zini had also requested investigations into Ahmed Tibi, Mansour Abbas, and Sami Abu Shehadeh, without providing evidence to justify their interrogation.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog intervened to mediate the public dispute between Zini and Baharav-Miara, holding separate discussions with both. The parties met at the Shin Bet headquarters and agreed to de-escalate tensions and continue professional cooperation on the investigation. Sources indicated the meeting concluded with an understanding for continued joint work following the public confrontation over evidence and investigative powers. A political source warned against "exceeding the boundaries of criminal law and using it for political purposes," suggesting this could start with targeting the Arab community and later extend to government opponents, journalists, and citizens. These developments follow the Legal Advisor's rejection of Zini's request to classify the entire case as a security crime, which would allow exceptional investigative powers without requiring evidence.

The investigation began after Likud complaints about alleged funding from Arab countries to encourage participation in the Arab community's vote and claims of payments to mobilize and transport voters. The core information leading to the examination was reportedly in the Shin Bet's possession for about two weeks, known to Zini when he affirmed the election's integrity on election day. Sohlberg later emphasized the election's integrity and that results reflected voters' will, stating suspicions did not justify questioning the Arab vote. The Central Elections Committee announced it had examined over 9,000 ballot boxes, representing about 75% of the total, finding no indications that compromised the election's integrity. As the final election results were approved and government formation consultations began, Zini continued to speak of widespread suspicions, while relevant investigative bodies stated they had not received actionable materials.