Zini appears to backtrack request to interrogate Arab MKs in election's foreign interference probe

Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) chief David Zini appeared to backtrack on his request to interrogate Arab lawmakers amid a public dispute with Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara regarding claims of foreign interference in Israel's 26th Knesset elections.

The Shin Bet has been investigating suspicions of foreign entities, such as Qatar and Turkey, allegedly funneling money into Israel to influence voting in Arab communities. The investigation was launched following an initial directive by Sohlberg, citing "severe suspicions... regarding improper influence through foreign funding by entities acting against Israeli interests during the elections."

Earlier this week, Maariv reported that Zini requested to interrogate the Joint List's Ahmad Tibi, Ra'am chairman Mansour Abbas, Balad chairman Sami Abu Shehadeh, and one additional official whose name has not been publicized. 

The A-G on Tuesday denied Zini's request, citing the Arab politicians' parliamentary immunity and lack of evidence.

"It is not permissible to interrogate citizens or elected officials without evidence to justify such action," a statement from the Attorney-General's office read, emphasizing that Israel is a "state governed by the rule of law."

Israeli media previously reported that Central Elections Committee (CEC) chairman Noam Sohlberg had earlier approved Zini's request to use technological and surveillance capabilities in the investigation against the officials.

According to N12, the Shin Bet clarified that its request had been to investigate individuals in the Knesset members' circles, not the MKs themselves.

Further, it stated that reports saying it intends to withhold information from the police are false, and that there is full cooperation between the two organizations.

“I will not move an inch from what the Attorney General instructs me to do," Zini told Sohlberg, according to N12. "I will not allow the country to be set on fire.”

Earlier on Wednesday, the Shin Bet presented intelligence indicating the alleged transfer of large sums of money into Israel from foreign entities aimed at influencing Israel's 26th Knesset elections.

According to the Shin Bet, the alleged funding is a widespread phenomenon that may involve thousands of people, if not more. It stated that additional intelligence gathering and investigative efforts are required to determine the full scope of the phenomenon.

Ben-Gvir calls for Zini to bypass A-G, arrest Arab MKs

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called on Zini to act immediately, arrest and interrogate Arab party leaders, even without permission from the Baharav-Miara, "until the suspicions have been fully investigated."

He also called for the ratification of election results and formation of a new government to be halted immediately.

"Elections were stolen here in the State of Israel," he said. "We must not stay silent about this, and we must not leave even a single stone unturned on the way to exposing the truth."

MK Yoav Segalovitz, who left Yesh Atid and joined the Ra'am party, condemned Zini's actions as an "immediate danger" and called for a new government to be formed.

"The head of the Shin Bet wants to open an investigation against the leaders of the Arab political parties. There is no evidentiary basis for doing so, and he has not presented any such evidence to the Attorney-General, who is the authorized authority to make this determination," Segalovitz wrote on X. "Furthermore, he has not transferred the materials to the Israel Police, as agreed."

Zini working as 'Netanyahu's instrument,' Segalovitz accuses

"The head of the Shin Bet and the Shin Bet as an organization are obligated to operate in accordance with the Shin Bet Law. At present, Zini is acting in violation of the Shin Bet Law and contrary to the principle of statehood (mamlachtiyut), which is enshrined in Section 4(c) of the law."

"He is serving as [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu’s instrument, even though Netanyahu lost the democratic election. This is a clear and immediate danger," Segalovitz said. "The leaders of the opposition bloc must understand the severity of this threat and act to replace the government as quickly as possible."

Adalah, the Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel, accused Zini of attempting to cast doubt on the election results and undermine the legitimacy of Arab political representation in Israel's government.

“Shin Bet Director David Zini is seeking to cast doubt on the election results and undermine the legitimacy of Arab political representation, while attempting to intimidate elected representatives and undermine the democratic political participation of Arab citizens in Israel," Adalah said.

"This constitutes a serious escalation in the Shin Bet’s racist policies, which seek to portray the legitimate political activity of Arab citizens as suspicious and turn their representatives into targets of surveillance and intimidation,” said Adalah.