Shin Bet Confirms Probe into Suspected Foreign Election Interference

The Shin Bet has confirmed that it is examining suspicions of foreign election interference, describing the matter as a "sensitive incident," according to newspaper Maariv. The report noted that the Israel Security Agency has been gathering intelligence on the issue recently.

The Jerusalem Post and news outlet Srugim reported that the probe, ordered by Central Elections Committee Chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg, centers on suspicions that large sums of money were funneled by Arab entities to unlawfully boost voter turnout in the Arab sector. According to reporter Yaron Avraham, the information presented to Sohlberg points to involvement by the government of Qatar and did not originate from the Likud party. Further details have not yet been released.