Mossad to assist Shin Bet probe into suspected foreign election interference, i24NEWS understands
Israel’s foreign intelligence agency will focus on intelligence relating to Qatar; elections committee says probe has no impact on final results
The Mossad was set Friday to assist the Shin Bet’s investigation into suspected foreign interference in Israel’s election, focusing on matters within its authority, particularly intelligence relating to Qatar, i24NEWS understands.
The investigation followed a briefing in which Shin Bet chief David Zini presented classified information to Central Elections Committee Chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg. Sohlberg ordered a probe into suspected foreign funding and election bribery, requesting findings within a week.
The Shin Bet said the information was gathered independently and did not originate with a political party. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Yashar leader Gadi Eisenkot and opposition leader Yair Lapid were briefed on the investigation.
The Central Elections Committee stressed that the investigation had no impact on the final election results and did not target any particular sector. Its findings will be submitted to Sohlberg to assess their scope and implications.
Qatar issued a statement categorically denying interfering in the election, saying it would "not serve as a scapegoat for Israeli politicians." Ra’am leader Mansour Abbas also denied his party had any connection to the matter.