Shin Bet Chief Alleges Obstruction of Election Interference Probe

Shin Bet chief David Zini has raised concerns with Central Elections Committee Chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg over alleged obstacles being placed in the way of an investigation into suspected election interference in Israel's Arab sector, Channel 14 News reported Sunday evening.

According to the report, Zini claimed that the Shin Bet's legal adviser was obstructing the investigation in coordination with Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara.

Channel 14 also cited sources familiar with the investigation who alleged that the attorney general was attempting to block the sensitive inquiry and had prevented investigative measures from being carried out in real time.

The Shin Bet declined to address the allegations, stating: “We will not comment on what was said in closed discussions.”

Earlier Sunday, Sohlberg, Zini, and Baharav-Miara held a meeting lasting several hours. Following the meeting, Sohlberg issued a statement addressing the ongoing investigation, emphasizing that it was being conducted with the knowledge of both the Shin Bet chief and the attorney general.

In his statement, Sohlberg said: “Serious suspicions have come to light that require examination, relating to funding from foreign sources intended to influence the election campaign, which may also have a security dimension.”

He added: “Following the information presented to me, I instructed the Shin Bet to investigate the suspicions according to law.”

Sohlberg also stressed that the allegations had not been proven and cautioned against drawing premature conclusions.

“I want to make this clear: suspicions are suspicions. Overturning election results requires solid evidence.”