Shin Bet Clarifies Election Probe Scope After Rejection of Lawmaker Questioning
Security chief David Zini stated the investigation targets associates of Arab legislators, not the officials themselves, as a dispute with the Attorney-General over foreign interference in the 26th Knesset elections continues.
By Grace Almasi ·
Shin Bet chief David Zini clarified the scope of the investigation into suspected foreign interference in Israel's 26th Knesset elections on Wednesday. The security agency stated it intended to investigate individuals within the social circles of specific lawmakers rather than the elected representatives themselves.
This clarification followed a public disagreement between Zini and Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara. Baharav-Miara rejected an earlier request by the Shin Bet to question four Arab politicians. The rejected request named Ahmad Tibi of the Joint List, Mansour Abbas of Ra'am, Sami Abu Shehadeh of Balad, and one other unnamed official. The Attorney-General cited parliamentary immunity and a lack of sufficient evidence as reasons for the refusal.
The inquiry focuses on allegations that entities from Qatar and Turkey moved money into Israel to influence voting in Arab communities. Noam Sohlberg, chairman of the Central Elections Committee, initiated the probe based on concerns about improper foreign financing. Sohlberg previously authorized technological and surveillance measures for the investigation involving these officials.
On November 4, the Shin Bet presented intelligence suggesting substantial transfers of foreign funds aimed at influencing the election. The agency indicated the suspected funding could involve thousands of individuals. Officials noted that further intelligence gathering and investigative work are required to determine the full extent of the activity.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir urged Zini to arrest and question Arab party leaders immediately, even without the Attorney-General's authorization. Ben-Gvir also demanded an immediate halt to the ratification of election results, alleging that the election had been stolen. He called for the swift formation of a new government to address the situation.
MK Yoav Segalovitz, a former Yesh Atid member who joined Ra'am, criticized Zini's conduct on social media. Segalovitz accused the security chief of failing to provide supporting evidence to the Attorney-General and of violating the Shin Bet Law. He characterized Zini as acting on behalf of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and urged opposition leaders to replace the current government quickly.
Adalah, a legal center for Arab minority rights, accused Zini of seeking to undermine confidence in the election results and the legitimacy of Arab political representation. The organization described the actions as an attempt to intimidate elected representatives and weaken democratic participation among Arab citizens.
