Israel's Shin Bet Investigates Alleged Qatari Election Interference

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Likud party claimed the election was stolen after unprecedented Arab voter participation, which is predicted to give Arab-led parties a record 19 seats and potentially cost the Likud coalition its Knesset majority. Arab parties labeled the fraud allegations racist, while opposition figure Gadi Eisenkot called them an influence operation. Acting Central Elections Committee director general Dean Livne stated there is no basis for claims of widespread fraud.

The Shin Bet clarified that its investigation is focused and limited, emphasizing that it does not aim to blame or hold an entire segment of society responsible. The agency stated that the information was gathered independently under its legal mandate to detect external influence, and did not originate from any political party. Only Judge Sohlberg had access to the sensitive details before the election concluded. Within the last 24 hours, Shin Bet Director David Zini briefed Prime Minister Netanyahu, Gadi Eisenkot, and Opposition Chairman Yair Lapid on the developments.