Israel's Shin Bet investigates allegations of foreign election funding

The Israeli security agency, Shin Bet, is investigating allegations of foreign funding and electoral bribery involving Arab political parties following the recent Knesset elections. The probe is examining claims that funds from Qatar and the Palestinian Authority may have been transferred to members of the Joint List to influence election outcomes and encourage voter turnout.

Legal advocacy group Adalah has called for an immediate halt to the investigation, arguing that Shin Bet is exceeding its legal mandate. The group contends that investigating criminal matters like bribery and campaign finance should fall under the jurisdiction of the police rather than a security agency. Adalah also warned that the investigation could be used to undermine the legitimacy of Arab political representation in Israel.

While the Likud party has called for a thorough inquiry into foreign interference, investigators have not yet confirmed if such transfers occurred or determined the specific amounts involved. The head of the Israeli Election Committee has instructed Shin Bet to provide preliminary findings within approximately one week.