Smotrich calls to question Arab party leaders after Election Committee requests investigation of foreign interference

Religious Zionism party leader Bezalel Smotrich called to question the leaders of the Arab parties, after the Central Elections Committee asked the domestic intelligence service, Shin Bet, to investigate allegations of foreign interference in Tuesday’s election.

"The suspicion of election interference funded by foreign Islamist money is a test for the State of Israel," Smotrich stated. "The leaders of the Arab parties must be questioned by the Shin Bet today. The State of Israel will not be sold to radical Islam with terrorist money."

“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,” Central Elections Committee chair Justice Noam Sohlberg wrote in a highly unusual letter to Shin Bet chief David Zini.

“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... I instruct you to do everything in your power to investigate these suspicions, utilizing the authority of the Shin Bet to uncover evidence that either substantiates or refutes them,” Sohlberg wrote.