Election Committee Chair Orders Shin Bet to Probe Foreign Election Bribery Claims

The investigation focuses on allegations of illicit foreign funding, with Channel 12 reporting that intelligence suggests Qatar is a focus of the probe. According to Kikar HaShabbat, the investigation was prompted by the election-day arrest of three residents from Segev Shalom and Ar'ara BaNegev, who were found with envelopes containing tens of thousands of shekels in cash and ballot papers. The funds are suspected of being used to buy votes for the Ra'am party. Additionally, Behadrei Haredim reported that the probe is examining suspected illegal foreign funding aimed at boosting Arab voter turnout, which surged to 80% and nearly doubled the strength of Arab parties to 19 seats, creating a political deadlock.

The allegations have triggered intense political reactions. The Likud party accused Arab parties of stealing the elections, while Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir called for the arrest of Arab party leaders. Conversely, the Democrats Chairman accused Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu of attempting to undermine the election results. The Israel Police and the Shin Bet have pledged thorough, unbiased investigations, while the police noted there is currently no investigative or intelligence support for separate Likud claims of widespread irregularities in Arab sector polling stations.