Archive photo, 2018: Gary Todd / CC0, cropped
Israel’s Central Elections Committee chairman, Justice Noam Sohlberg, has directed Shin Bet chief David Zini to investigate suspicions of improper foreign-funded influence on the country’s election, asking the security service to seek evidence that would substantiate or refute the suspicions.
In a letter dated October 28, Sohlberg said serious suspicions had been brought before him concerning foreign funding from outside actors working against Israeli interests. He explicitly said he could not attest to the substance of those suspicions.
JBizNews reviewed a two-page scan of the signed letter reproduced by Israeli media. The letter was not found on the Central Elections Committee’s website during this review, and the scan has not been independently authenticated against an official copy.
Evidence sought, not a finding of wrongdoing
Sohlberg instructed Zini to use the powers of the General Security Service, known as the Shin Bet, to look for evidence that would establish or disprove the suspicions. The letter frames the inquiry as a way to protect the integrity of the election and public confidence in the democratic process.
The letter does not identify a foreign country, a political party or a group of voters. It does not establish that foreign interference occurred or that any election result was altered.
Citing the legal deadlines for election appeals, Sohlberg asked Zini to make every effort to bring him findings, if any, within the coming week.
JBizNews Desk | Jerusalem
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