Exclusive: Israeli police prepare for possible attack on election chief ahead of vote
Plan covers possible attacks on the Central Elections Committee chairman and disturbances that could disrupt the vote, though police say they have no concrete intelligence of an intended attack
Israeli police are drawing up a special operational plan for a possible attack on Central Elections Committee chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg and security incidents that could disrupt the upcoming elections, i24NEWS has learned.
The plan, known internally as the “Sohlberg scenario,” is being developed by the police’s West Bank district, where the Supreme Court justice lives. Sohlberg is classified at threat level six, the highest designation. A decision to increase his security was made in August.
Police are preparing for scenarios ranging from attempts to harm Sohlberg at his home or while traveling to riots, public disturbances and a security incident that could interfere with the vote.
The preparations form part of a broader election security effort, including discussions between the police commissioner and senior security officials, as previously reported by i24NEWS.
i24NEWS has learned that the police commander responsible for the southern West Bank and the district’s intelligence officer have been formally assigned to lead the planning. They are expected to submit the final operational plan next week.
The plan will define responsibilities for the police, the Central Elections Committee and security bodies, and set out dedicated operational measures.
Police in the West Bank district stressed that they currently have no concrete intelligence indicating an intention to attack Sohlberg. However, following previous incidents near his home, they decided to prepare in advance for scenarios that could endanger him or disrupt the orderly conduct of the elections.