Shin Bet chief seeks probe of Arab MKs; attorney general limits scope

Shin Bet director David Zini requested investigations into Joint List chairman Yosef Jabarin and other Arab MKs over alleged foreign election interference. Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara found no reasonable suspicion against most, except Ayman Odeh.

Shin Bet chief David Zini requested to investigate under caution also Joint List chairman Youssef Jabarin, as revealed by i24NEWS commentator Avishai Grinzaig. Zini's request includes a series of Arab party leaders: Ahmad Tibi (Ta'al), Sami Abu Shahada (Balad), Mansour Abbas (Ra'am), and Ayman Odeh (Hadash). Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara ruled that there is reasonable suspicion against Odeh justifying an investigation, but regarding the other parties there is no basis for reasonable suspicion at this stage. The request comes against the backdrop of the final election results being confirmed, in which the Arab parties won 19 seats, and amid right-wing claims of voter inducement in exchange for payment. Shin Bet updated on intelligence indicating the flow of funds from foreign countries with hostile interests, on a scale of thousands of people.