Shin Bet Held Foreign Funding Intel Weeks Before Election, Delayed Action for Evidence
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
The Shin Bet held intelligence on alleged foreign election funding for weeks before acting, waiting to gather concrete evidence. The investigation focuses on suspected illegal transfers from Qatar and Turkey to boost Arab voter turnout, potentially for the Ra'am party. Following the alleged offenses, the Shin Bet presented its findings to Elections Committee Chairman Noam Sohlberg, who authorized a full investigation. The development has led to arrests and increased police readiness to probe election integrity.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Shin Bet possessed foreign funding intelligence for weeks before acting, waiting for concrete evidence.
- Suspected illegal funds from Qatar and Turkey aimed to boost Arab voter turnout.
- Elections Committee Chairman Noam Sohlberg authorized a full investigation after Shin Bet presented findings.
- Likud claims they alerted Shin Bet head David Zinai to illegal funding three months prior.
- Three individuals were arrested on election day with tens of thousands of shekels in cash.
- Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich called the suspected election manipulation 'extremely serious'.
New details have emerged regarding the Shin Bet's handling of intelligence about alleged foreign funding and election bribery within the Arab community. The domestic security agency reportedly possessed sensitive information for several weeks prior to the elections but delayed immediate action. The investigation centers on suspicions of illegal money transfers from Arab nations associated with the Muslim Brotherhood, such as Qatar and Turkey, aimed at boosting voter turnout in the Arab sector. Funds were allegedly funneled to parties disguised as legitimate donations from Qatar.
A source familiar with the investigation told Israel Hayom that if the suspicions are proven true, those involved could face lengthy prison sentences. The Shin Bet's tactical decision to wait was to allow the bribery and money transfers to occur in practice, thereby building a solid evidentiary foundation. This approach was taken despite claims from the Likud party that they had provided information to the Shin Bet's head, David Zinai, three months earlier.
Following the alleged commission of offenses and the flow of funds, the Shin Bet approached the Chairman of the Central Elections Committee, Judge Noam Sohlberg. They presented the intelligence gathered, and Sohlberg authorized an in-depth, public investigation with the necessary authorities. Sources close to the investigation emphasize that the current action is not solely based on the Likud's claims but on independent intelligence gathering by the Shin Bet.
In parallel, Israel Police have also increased their readiness, with a senior officer stating that additional complaints regarding the integrity of the elections have been filed and will be thoroughly investigated. This development follows the arrest of three residents from Shagur, Ar'ara, and Negev on election day, during which envelopes containing tens of thousands of shekels in cash, along with ballots and other findings, were seized. The money is suspected to have been intended for voters in exchange for casting ballots for the Ra'am party.
Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich called the suspected election manipulation via foreign funding "extremely serious" and demanded a thorough investigation. The Chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu Party, Chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu Party, stressed the importance of safeguarding election integrity against any interference. The Inspector General of the Police affirmed that all complaints and suspicions related to election integrity would be investigated thoroughly and impartially.
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