not everywhere· Security· Updated 20:33

Mossad Joins Shin Bet Probe Into Alleged Foreign Election Interference

The Mossad has joined the Shin Bet in investigating alleged foreign interference in Israel's recent national election. Central Elections Committee Chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg ordered the probe into suspected foreign funding and election bribery after being briefed on intelligence by Shin Bet chief David Zini. The investigation focuses on allegations that Qatar, and potentially other countries like Turkey, funded mechanisms to boost voter turnout within the Arab community, specifically targeting the Joint List party.

7 newsrooms · 3 languages · since 16:23

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Mossad Joins Shin Bet Probe Into Alleged Foreign Election Interference — Illustration by baba

What happened

01The Mossad is assisting the Shin Bet in investigating suspected foreign election interference, focusing on Qatar and Turkey.
02Central Elections Committee Chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg ordered the probe and requested findings within a week.
03The investigation centers on allegations of foreign funding to increase voter turnout within the Arab community, specifically targeting the Joint List.
04Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Gadi Eisenkot, and Yair Lapid were personally briefed on the classified investigation.
05Qatar and Turkey have strongly denied any involvement, with Doha calling the accusations ridiculous and dangerous.
06Three Ra'am activists arrested on suspicion of bribery are expected to be released without charges due to a lack of evidence.
07The Central Elections Committee stated that the investigation is limited and does not affect the final election results.
08President Isaac Herzog urged a thorough investigation while cautioning against making broad accusations.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Gadi Eisenkot, and opposition leader Yair Lapid were briefed on the investigation. The Shin Bet clarified that its intelligence was gathered independently and did not originate from any political party. While the Central Elections Committee emphasized that the probe is limited in scope and does not affect the final election results, the affair has triggered a political firestorm. President Isaac Herzog called for a thorough investigation while cautioning against broad accusations.

Both Qatar and Turkey have denied any involvement, with Qatar calling the allegations ridiculous and dangerous. The allegations also led to the arrest of three Ra'am activists on suspicion of bribery, reportedly initiated by a tip from the Prime Minister's Office. However, police and the Shin Bet dispute claims by Netanyahu that the election was stolen, and the activists are expected to be released without charges due to a lack of evidence. The Central Elections Committee's acting director general also noted a lack of supporting evidence for the voter fraud claims, which were promoted by Netanyahu's Likud party.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 7 newsrooms. Updated 21:16