Shin Bet to the Elections Committee: “Widespread influx of funds from foreign countries”
Election committee members were informed by Shin Bet of intelligence that uncovered funds channeled into the country originating from foreign interests, including some hostile to Israel
Following the approval of the final election results Wednesday morning by the presidium of the Central Elections Committee, the Shin Bet briefed committee members on intelligence allegedly indicating “widespread transfers of large sums of money to Israel from foreign countries.”
According to the Shin Bet, the funds funneled into Israel from foreign countries originated with parties with hidden and even hostile interests seeking to advance foreign influence, and the phenomenon involves thousands of people, possibly more. The Shin Bet says the intelligence uncovered requires further intelligence gathering and investigation, and that additional collection and investigative measures are needed before the scale of the phenomenon can be determined with certainty.
Suggested articles
- Shin Bet chief seeks to question Arab party leaders in election interference case | i24NEWS
- Israeli opposition bloc: We will act immediately to replace Netanyahu and his 'Oct. 7th gov’t' | i24NEWS
- Mossad to assist Shin Bet probe into suspected foreign election interference, i24NEWS understands | i24NEWS
The Shin Bet update comes after the Central Elections Committee announced earlier this morning that it had reviewed all submissions from political factions and candidate lists, as well as those received from the public. The committee also said it had found no irregularities or evidence indicating that the integrity of the election had been compromised or that the results had been altered.
As noted, the presidium of the Election Committee approved the election results this morning, with representatives of the Yesh Atid and Blue and White parties voting in favor and representatives of Shas and Likud voting against. Shouting was heard from those present during the discussion on approving the results. Shas MK Erez Malul criticized the approval of the results: “The attorney general is harming the investigation; undermining Zini, the head of the Shin Bet, undermines security.” Yesh Atid MK Vladimir Beliak replied: “Zini is a political head of the service.”
Simcha Rothman claimed that there had been serious violations at polling stations, including the use of “Arab Elector.” Likud’s attorney, Ilan Bombach, alleged widespread use of apps in the Arab community, claiming that this compromised the secrecy of the country’s elections. Opposition representatives accused them of trying to undermine the results because they refused to accept defeat.