Israel Election Chief Slams 'Baseless' Fraud Claims; Shin Bet Probes Foreign Influence
Acting Central Elections Committee Director Dean Livne dismisses systemic fraud claims, while Shin Bet probes foreign influence suspicions.
The Acting Director General of Israel’s Central Elections Committee, Dean Livne, has decisively shut down allegations of widespread election fraud, asserting that the recent Knesset vote was carried out in full accordance with the law. In a firm rebuttal to claims of systemic irregularities, Livne maintained that the integrity of the polling stations was rigorously protected and that there is no evidence to support the accusations of systemic violations.
Official Rejection of Fraud Allegations
Writing in a letter to Vladimir Beliak, a Knesset Member from the Yesh Atid party who sits on the committee, Livne clarified that the electoral process remained secure. She emphasized that, to the best of the committee's knowledge, the allegations of fraud lack any factual basis.
Addressing a specific inquiry requested by the Central Elections Committee (CEC) Chairman, Justice Noam Sohlberg, Livne noted that the matter involves classified intelligence. She added that this material requires further review and, as of now, has not been substantiated.
Shin Bet Ordered to Investigate Foreign Interference
Despite the rejection of systemic fraud, a separate and serious investigation into external influence is underway. Justice Noam Sohlberg has directed David Zini, the chief of the Shin Bet (Israel's internal security agency), to investigate suspicions that foreign entities acting against Israeli interests may have improperly influenced the elections through funding.
In his directive to the security agency, Justice Sohlberg stated:
"Serious suspicions have been brought to my attention regarding improper influence on the elections — exerted through funding provided by foreign entities acting against Israeli interests. While I cannot attest to the substance of these suspicions, it is my view that — given they involve foreign entities — there is an obligation to investigate them thoroughly."
The Justice has demanded that the Shin Bet use all available authority to uncover evidence that either proves or refutes these claims, stressing that such a step is essential to maintain public trust in the democratic procedure. The agency is expected to submit its findings within a week.
Political Firestorm: Netanyahu vs. Arab Parties
The controversy has been fueled by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the leader of the Likud party, who sparked an "earthquake" of a political row by alleging that Arab parties "stole" the election using threats and bribery. Netanyahu claimed that foreign interference played a significant role in favoring these parties and urged Zionist parties to refuse any cooperation with the Joint List and Ra’am.
Arab Parties Deny Allegations
The accused political entities have vehemently denied any wrongdoing:
- Mansour Abbas, chairman of the United Arab List (Ra’am), welcomed the investigation, asserting that his party has no connection to the suspected foreign funding and pledging full cooperation with authorities.
- Sami Abou Shahadeh, chairman of Balad, rejected the claims entirely, accusing Prime Minister Netanyahu and his allies of intentionally escalating political hostility toward the Arab public and their representatives.
Calls for Caution and Stability
The tension has reached the highest levels of government. Israeli President Isaac Herzog held meetings with Justice Noam Sohlberg and Shin Bet chief David Zini to discuss the probe. While Herzog emphasized the need for a rigorous review of the suspicions, he issued a stern warning against using the investigation to unfairly malign the broader Arab population.
Similarly, opposition leader and former military chief Gadi Eisenkot has called for a thorough investigation. However, he warned against allowing unverified suspicions to be used as a tool to undermine the legitimacy of the election results or to delay the inauguration of the 26th Knesset.