Shin Bet Seeks Mossad Aid in Qatar Funding Probe for Joint List

The joint investigation, initiated after Central Elections Committee Chairman Judge Noam Sohlberg appealed to Shin Bet chief David Zini, examines allegations of foreign bribery aimed at boosting Arab voter turnout. Suspicions focus on hundreds of thousands of shekels allegedly funneled by Qatar and the Muslim Brotherhood to an Arab political party, the Joint List. According to Alarab, Turkey is also suspected of involvement, while Qatar has strongly denied the accusations, calling them a disinformation campaign.

The probe has sparked political tension in Israel. The Likud party labeled the affair "Ra'amGate," while opposition leaders criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the situation. Arab party leaders rejected the allegations, accusing Netanyahu of incitement. Shin Bet chief Zini personally briefed Netanyahu, National Unity Party chairman Gadi Eisenkot, and Opposition leader Yair Lapid on the core suspicions, emphasizing that the investigation is focused and does not cast aspersions on the broader Arab electorate.