Supreme Court Deputy Chief Justice Noam Sohlberg, head of Israel’s Central Elections Committee, has demanded an urgent intelligence inquiry into allegations of foreign interference and improper funding in Tuesday’s inconclusive parliamentary vote, abc.net.au reported. Justice Sohlberg sent a letter to Shin Bet director David Zini calling for an immediate investigation and requesting findings within a week.
Shin Bet Investigation Requested Into Allegations of Foreign Interference
The Central Elections Committee leader acted after receiving what he described as serious suspicions regarding foreign entities operating against Israeli interests during the election. Israeli media outlets reported that the allegations include claims that Qatar provided funding to influence Israel’s election. Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesman, Majed Al Ansari, denied the claims on X, stating that Doha should not be used as a scapegoat for Israeli political failures.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Likud party alleged that Arab parties stole the election through criminal offenses including bribery, threats, violence, forgeries, and prohibited mobilisation software. Likud asserted that envelopes were stuffed with cash alongside ballot papers for Ra’am in some communities. Before Justice Sohlberg’s letter, police sources told numerous Israeli media outlets that Likud’s allegations were baseless. An Israeli police statement stated that every complaint would be investigated thoroughly and impartially.
Arab-Israeli Representation Shakes Up Knesset
With 96 per cent of the vote counted by Thursday afternoon, Likud was on track to secure 26 seats and Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar party 21 seats. The pro-Netanyahu bloc reached 53 seats while the opposition forces led by Eisenkot received 48 seats, leaving both sides short of the 61 seats needed for a majority. Meanwhile, two Arab formations were on track for an unprecedented 19 seats in the next Knesset, representing the minority population that makes up about 20 per cent of the country.
The representation gives the Arab-Israeli parties influence over coalition formation, as neither major bloc has a clear path to a majority without them. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir urged authorities to immediately order the arrests of Arab party leaders. Conversely, Democrats leader Yair Golan accused Mr Netanyahu of launching an ugly delegitimisation campaign after failing to get a majority. The Joint List dismissed the allegations as a baseless smear campaign driven by right-wing politicians who fear the community’s political power.
Supreme Court judge requests Shin Bet inquiry into foreign funding
What triggered the call for a Shin Bet investigation into the Israeli election?
Supreme Court Deputy Chief Justice Noam Sohlberg requested the Shin Bet inquiry after receiving suspicions of foreign funding and improper influence targeting Tuesday’s parliamentary vote.
How many seats are Arab-Israeli parties projected to win in the new Knesset?
Two Arab formations are on track to secure a combined 19 seats, marking an unprecedented level of representation in the Israeli parliament.
What did Qatar say about the allegations of election interference?
Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari denied any involvement, stating on X that Doha should not be used as a scapegoat for Israeli political failures.
What are the current seat totals for the major political blocs?
With 96 per cent of the vote counted, Benjamin Netanyahu’s pro-Netanyahu bloc reached 53 seats, while the opposition forces led by Eisenkot secured 48 seats, leaving both groups without a parliamentary majority.
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