Election Probe Chairman Urges Continuation of Foreign Interference Inquiry

Central Elections Committee chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg issued a directive on Thursday emphasizing that the investigation into suspected foreign interference in Israel's recent election must continue. In a letter addressed to committee members, Sohlberg noted that while the underlying information has not yet crystallized into concrete evidence, it warrants a thorough and intensive examination.

The Supreme Court deputy president clarified that the current evidentiary status is similar to what was presented before the public statement last week. He wrote that classified information has been shared, but it may or may not develop into actual proof. Despite this uncertainty, he insisted that the matter requires continued pursuit until it is fully resolved.

Sohlberg also praised the work of the Shin Bet and its director, David Zini. He stated that he had met with the heads of the investigation, including representatives from the police and the State Attorney's Office, on Thursday morning to assess progress. During these meetings, he found no instances where the government's legal advisers had refused investigative requests submitted by the security agency.

The chairman assured committee members that any request grounded in the necessary legal suspicion would be examined promptly. He committed to acting on any gaps or obstacles he identified to ensure the truth is established in accordance with the law. Sohlberg specifically thanked Zini and the agency for their efforts in protecting the election, including specific information security operations that could not be detailed publicly.

The inquiry became public on October 29, following the election held on October 27. Sohlberg's written instruction to investigate suspected foreign funding and election bribery was dated the day after the vote. The suspicions center on money allegedly transferred from abroad to influence the outcome, with reports describing possible funding to encourage voting in Arab communities and alleged payments to political figures.

The investigation has been accompanied by significant controversy regarding its conduct. The Attorney-General's Office previously noted that the Shin Bet had delayed transferring material to the joint investigation team. They also stressed that citizens and elected officials could not be interrogated without a solid evidentiary basis. Sohlberg used his letter to criticize recent leaks, noting that key points from a classified opinion appeared in the media before the committee officially received the document.

Sohlberg warned that these leaks cause repeated harm to the investigation's security aspects. He advised committee members to take media accounts with caution. The probe has unfolded alongside efforts to form a new government, with political parties citing the suspicions to debate the validity of recent voting patterns.

Likud has used the allegations to claim that Arab parties stole the election, arguing their votes should not support a new government. However, police stated on October 29 that election integrity incidents were relatively few and that broader stolen election claims lacked support. The Shin Bet cautioned that its unfinished inquiry should not be used to discredit Arab citizens who voted lawfully.

The election results granted Netanyahu's bloc 53 seats, the opposition 48, and Arab parties a record 19. Parties representing 67 MKs recommended Yashar leader Gadi Eisenkot to form a government. President Isaac Herzog assigned Eisenkot that task on Sunday. Eisenkot now has 28 days, with a possible extension of up to 14 days, to assemble a cabinet.

Sohlberg maintained that the material presented so far does not undermine the election results as a whole. His letter serves to reaffirm the committee's commitment to a rigorous process while managing public expectations regarding the ongoing nature of the probe.