not everywhere· Politics· Updated 29 Oct, 14:50

Qatar Denies Israeli Election Interference Claims

Qatar has officially denied allegations of interfering in Israel's recent elections, with its Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Majed Mohammed Al-Ansari, calling the claims "ridiculous and dangerous." The denial follows a report by N12 that prompted the Chairman of the Central Elections Committee, Judge Noam Sohlberg, to order a Shin Bet investigation into suspected Qatari bribery and foreign influence.

3 newsrooms · 2 languages · since 29 Oct, 14:40

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What happened

01Qatar officially denied allegations of interfering in Israel's recent elections or funding efforts to influence their outcomes.
02Central Elections Committee Chairman Judge Noam Sohlberg ordered the Shin Bet to investigate suspected Qatari bribery.
03Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Mohammed Al-Ansari called the interference accusations "ridiculous and dangerous."
04The Shin Bet reportedly possessed intelligence on potential illicit fund transfers before the elections took place.
05Ra'am Chairman Mansour Abbas welcomed the Shin Bet investigation into the alleged foreign influence.
06Joint List Chairman Ayman Odeh defended legitimate efforts to increase Arab voter turnout during the elections.
07Seven suspects were arrested in an unrelated election bribery case linked to the Ra'am party.

Al-Ansari stated on X that Qatar completely rejects claims of funding any activity to influence the election results, accusing Israeli politicians and media of a disinformation campaign. He suggested that the accusations stem from an "excessive obsession" with Qatar and are used to scapegoat the country for Israeli political failures. According to Ynet, the Shin Bet reportedly possessed prior intelligence on potential illicit fund transfers before the elections.

In response to the investigation, Ra'am Chairman Mansour Abbas welcomed the inquiry into foreign influence, while Joint List Chairman Ayman Odeh defended legitimate efforts to boost Arab voter turnout. Separately, Ynet reported that seven people were arrested in an unrelated bribery case linked to the Ra'am party, which has denied any wrongdoing.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated 00:42

Latest report: The Jerusalem Post. Read The Jerusalem Post’s original