not everywhere· Security· Updated 1 Nov, 22:46

Shin Bet Chief Zini’s Election Probe Expansion Blocked by Staff

A significant disagreement has emerged within the Shin Bet over an investigation into alleged foreign interference and Qatari funding in the 26th Knesset elections. Shin Bet Director David Zini requested to expand the probe and employ special investigative measures, but three senior agency officials opposed the move.

3 newsrooms · 3 languages · since 1 Nov, 20:30

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What happened

01Shin Bet Director David Zini clashed with three senior agency officials over expanding an election interference probe.
02The investigation concerns suspected Qatari funding used by a Joint List Member of Knesset during the 26th Knesset election campaign.
03Three senior Shin Bet officials opposed Zini's request to use special investigative measures, citing the limited scope of suspicions.
04The opposing officials expressed doubt that expanding the probe would yield sufficient evidence of criminal offenses.
05A senior official noted that Zini's proposed measures require special legal authorization that is unlikely to be granted.
06The Chairman of the Central Elections Committee assured that the investigations do not question the election's integrity or results.

The opposing officials, who include a department head, argued during a meeting that the limited scope of the suspicions does not justify additional measures. They expressed doubt that the expanded tools would yield sufficient evidence of criminal offenses. The investigation involves suspicions that funds from Qatar were received by a Member of Knesset from the Joint List and used during the election campaign.

According to a senior Shin Bet official, the measures proposed by Zini would require special legal authorization, which officials doubted would be granted given the limited evidence. The Shin Bet stated that internal discussions allow for diverse opinions but declined to comment on closed meetings. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Central Elections Committee stated that the ongoing investigations do not cast doubt on the integrity or results of the election.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated 00:41

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