Shin Bet Chief Approved Unusual Tools Amid Foreign Election Influence Probe

Shin Bet Director David Zini has authorized the use of special technological tools and the activation of an operational unit for intelligence gathering in a case suspected of foreign influence in elections. According to a senior security official cited by Haaretz, these are unusual measures, prioritized over other state security missions. Zini and his deputy, identified only as 'N', have stated in closed discussions that this is "one of the most severe cases" and that funds were funneled to sway the election. However, law enforcement and police sources express skepticism about the allegations, with some indicating that the Shin Bet has yet to present substantial evidence. Lahav 433, a police unit, believes a criminal investigation is unwarranted, citing no suspicion of security offenses, and at most, a potential violation of party financing laws. The police also doubt claims that former MK Ayman Odeh received hundreds of thousands of shekels from the Palestinian Authority. Internal opposition within the Shin Bet has also surfaced regarding the investigation's management. The service's legal advisor, 'N', and the head of investigations, 'A', reportedly expressed reservations due to a lack of evidence, as did another department head known as 'H'. Zini has transferred the investigation's management to 'Y', a division head awaiting a promotion. Security agency appointments have been frozen during the transition government period. Following the report, MK Yaya Fink called for an urgent discussion by the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, chaired by Avigdor Lieberman, urging an examination of the Shin Bet chief's conduct. Fink alleged that Zini is acting in service of Netanyahu to prevent his election loss and warned against turning the Shin Bet into a partisan body. The Shin Bet declined to comment.