Shin Bet Interrogated Arab Journalist on Political Views, Interview

Prior to his release, three American Democratic politicians, Brad Lander, Scott Wiener, and Daniel Biss, appealed to the Israeli Ambassador to Washington, Yechiel Leiter, demanding Abu Shahadeh's release and opposing the arrest of journalists for conducting interviews. Abu Shahadeh's lawyer, Yigal Dotan, criticized the detention as unnecessary and illegal. Following his release, Abu Shahadeh described the investigation as a political and baseless witch hunt by the Shin Bet, aimed at silencing dissent and questioning the legitimacy of Arab participation in elections.

During his interrogation, Shin Bet investigators reportedly questioned Abu Shahadeh about his political views, including his opinions on Israel as a Jewish state, voter turnout, and election results in the Arab community. According to Channel 12, he was also questioned regarding suspicions of foreign involvement in elections. A separate report by i24News indicated that the Shin Bet has revised its estimate of funds transferred for election interference down to several million shekels, from an initial estimate of around 100 million shekels. The Legal Advisor to the Government reportedly stated there is insufficient suspicion to investigate most Arab political leaders requested by the Shin Bet.