Both election interference probes involving Arab parties reportedly falling apart

Channel 12 reports that two election interference investigations involving Arab-led parties are falling apart. The case against three Bedouin activists is expected to be closed, and the foreign funding probe has led to a crisis of confidence in Shin Bet chief David Zini, with police questioning his claims and no mention of Qatar in intelligence material.

Two election interference investigations involving Arab-led parties are reportedly falling apart, according to Channel 12 news. The first case, in which three Bedouin activists were arrested for allegedly trying to bribe voters to back the Ra'am party, is expected to be closed unless new evidence is uncovered. The second case, involving alleged foreign funding to support the Joint List, has led to a major crisis of confidence in Shin Bet chief David Zini, with police officials saying they have lost confidence in him. Deputy Commissioner Boaz Blatt barred subordinates from transferring information to the Shin Bet without his approval. While initial reports alleged the involvement of Qatar, intelligence material provided by the Shin Bet makes no mention of the Gulf state; the money is believed to have come from the West Bank. An official inside the Shin Bet accused Zini of trying to serve Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has claimed the elections were stolen. Central Elections Committee chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg has decried the stigmatization of Arab voters and said the alleged interference would not have swayed the result.