'No Connection Whatsoever': Mansour Abbas Denies Foreign Funding Claims in Israel Polls
United Arab List chair Mansour Abbas and other Arab parties reject claims of foreign funding in Israel's elections as a Shin Bet probe begins.
Political tensions in Israel have reached a boiling point following allegations of improper foreign funding and interference in the recent Tuesday polls. Arab political parties have categorically rejected these claims as the Central Elections Committee launches an intensive probe that threatens to destabilize the formation of the next government.
Mansour Abbas Pledges Full Cooperation
Mansour Abbas, the chairman of the United Arab List (Ra’am), has responded firmly to the suspicions. While expressing his support for the investigation ordered by Justice Noam Solberg, the Chairman of the Central Elections Committee, Abbas insisted that his party is entirely innocent of any wrongdoing.
In an official statement, Abbas emphasized that maintaining the integrity of the democratic process and the rule of law is a "civic and democratic duty" that Ra'am upholds. He stated clearly, “Ra'am has no connection whatsoever to the discussed affair or to other affairs,” and pledged that his party would cooperate fully with law enforcement to uncover the truth.
Accusations of 'Racist Blood Libel'
The reaction from other Arab political leaders has been more confrontational. Sami Abou Shahadeh, chairman of Balad, took to X (formerly Twitter) to blast Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies, accusing them of orchestrating a campaign of hostility against the Arab public.
Shahadeh argued that this controversy is merely the latest stage in a pattern of suppression, claiming that:
- Arab parties were illegally disqualified.
- Armed far-right activists were deployed at polling stations in Arab towns on election day to intimidate voters and suppress turnout.
- The current allegations are a "racist blood libel" designed to overturn the will of the people.
Shahadeh further attacked Netanyahu, referring to him as a man charged with fraud, bribery, and breach of trust, and warned that the far right is attempting to "steal the election" through fabricated and delusional accusations.
The 'Earthquake' and the Investigation
The storm erupted after Justice Noam Solberg directed Shin Bet chief David Zini to investigate suspicions that entities acting against Israeli interests provided funding to improperly influence the election results. The security agency has been asked to submit its findings within one week.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has characterized the situation as an “earthquake,” alleging that foreign interference heavily favored Arab parties. He has urged Zionist parties to refuse any cooperation with the Joint List and Ra’am.
Opposition Warns Against Chaos
The controversy has also drawn a sharp response from the opposition. Former military chief and opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot has called for an impartial investigation by the Shin Bet, but warned against using unverified claims to delay the inauguration of the 26th Knesset.
Eisenkot accused Netanyahu of using "lies, consciousness engineering, and sowing chaos" to lead an illegitimate influence operation over the Israeli public. He insisted that the new Knesset must convene on schedule regardless of the ongoing suspicions.
As the political deadlock persists, the Israel Police have also pledged to investigate all complaints regarding electoral irregularities, leaving the country in a state of high anticipation for the Shin Bet's report.