Netanyahu Staff Accused of Colluding with Police, Shin Bet to Undermine Election

According to a Channel 12 "Uvda" report, the Prime Minister's chief of staff, Ido Norden, contacted the office of Police Commissioner Daniel Levy on the eve of the election to complain about Ra'am activists in southern Israel. Norden and former director-general Yossi Shelley allegedly directed police to an "intelligence source," who was a former employee of the Prime Minister's office. This source provided information that was entered into police systems, leading to warrantless raids on the homes of three Ra'am activists, including Dr. Siaf Abu Riash of Rahat. The activists were arrested, preventing Abu Riash from voting, but all were released without charges after a judge ordered their release.

Additionally, the report disclosed that Shin Bet chief David Zini requested the arrest and wiretapping of Arab Knesset members on election day, citing concerns over foreign interference, but these requests were denied. Netanyahu's office denied the allegations, calling the report false and claiming Norden merely passed on information to the police. Opposition lawmaker Gadi Eisenkot stated that Netanyahu's actions pose a direct threat to Israeli democracy and pledged an inquiry into the Prime Minister's Office's alleged interference.