Ra'am's Abbas rejects election interference claims, denies Qatari links 'unlike Netanyahu'

Israel’s internal security agency, the Shin Bet, stated on Thursday that its probe into alleged election interference does not implicate an entire group of voters. The investigation was initiated following a directive from Central Elections Committee Chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg. Sohlberg cited severe suspicions regarding improper influence through foreign funding by entities acting against Israeli interests during recent elections. The inquiry examines alleged funding channels, including suspected links to networks previously associated with terrorist organizations. Preliminary findings indicate that Qatar and Turkey are among the suspected sources of funds. Investigators also reviewed reports of intercepted envelopes containing cash and voting slips for the Ra’am party. Ra’am Chairman Mansour Abbas denied allegations linking his party to the scheme via Qatar. He welcomed the decision to investigate suspicions of improper influence through foreign funding. Abbas directed criticism at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, referring to him as Abu Yair. Abbas claimed Netanyahu employs Qatari agents in his office. He dismissed the accusations as a campaign of incitement and delegitimization targeting Arab citizens. Abbas asserted that unlike the prime minister, his party operates based on truth rather than lies. President Isaac Herzog addressed the nation on Thursday, calling for a full investigation into the interference allegations. He described election integrity as a supreme democratic value. Herzog insisted that evidence and suspicions must be fully investigated, with perpetrators prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. However, he warned against tarnishing an entire demographic that sought to exercise their right to vote. He emphasized the need to avoid painting a broad brush over citizens participating in democracy. Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot stated he is in contact with relevant officials regarding the situation. A spokesperson for Eisenkot said the state must protect election integrity against interference, political spin, or manipulation. The statement added that political actors must not exploit the situation to influence the swearing-in date of the 26th Knesset. Eisenkot later issued a separate statement criticizing the prime minister. He noted that Netanyahu is accustomed to dealing with reality through lies and narrative engineering. Eisenkot accused the prime minister and his partners of leading an improper influence operation. He argued their aim is to delay the publication of election results and create fictitious delegitimization of the new Knesset. Eisenkot rejected attempts to undermine official results where the public voted against the current government. The Shin Bet’s clarification comes amid heightened tensions over the validity of the electoral process. The central committee’s intervention highlights the severity of the suspicions raised regarding external financial support. While specific individuals remain under scrutiny, the broader political landscape reacts to the potential impact on the legitimacy of the upcoming legislative body. The focus remains on determining whether foreign funds actually altered the outcome or merely attempted to do so. Legal proceedings will likely determine the final status of these allegations.