Israel’s election committee rejects claims of systematic breaches of electoral integrity

Israel’s Central Elections Committee said on Thursday there was no basis for claims of systematic breaches of electoral integrity.

Israel’s Channel 12 reported the committee as saying in a letter that the integrity of the election had been maintained and that claims of systematic breaches were unfounded.

“The numerous media reports are unfounded,” the committee said, adding that it had received confidential and sensitive information that raised suspicions requiring further examination to determine whether there was evidence to support the allegations.

Meanwhile, Israel’s domestic security agency, Shin Bet, said a limited investigation should not be used to discredit an entire community that had voted democratically and legally, referring to Arab citizens.

“Action will be taken only against those who break the law,” the agency said.

The Shin Bet said the information about suspected foreign interference came from intelligence-gathering operations conducted as part of its legal duties, not from any political party or entity.

It stressed that the investigation was still ongoing and that any statements about the content or nature of the suspicions did not represent its position.

The agency also revealed that its chief, David Zini, had briefed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot and opposition leader Yair Lapid on the main suspicions.

The Israeli right wing, led by Netanyahu’s Likud party, has campaigned against Arab voting in the election, alleging that Qatar had funded efforts to increase turnout among Arab voters. Doha has denied the allegations, describing them as “another disinformation campaign”.