Mossad joins probe into alleged Qatari interference in 'Israeli' elections

• The Mossad is joining the Shin Bet's investigation into alleged foreign interference in the recent Knesset elections, with a focus on intelligence related to Qatar.
• The investigation centers on suspicions that foreign funds were transferred to entities linked to Arab parties to influence voter turnout. The allegations remain unproven.

The Mossad is joining the Shin Bet's investigation into allegations of foreign interference in the recent Knesset elections, with a particular focus on intelligence related to Qatar, according to 'Israeli' media reports on Friday.

Channel 12 reported that the foreign intelligence agency would assist the Shin Bet in examining suspicions of Qatari interference in the elections.

Army Radio also reported that the Mossad would provide assistance in investigating suspected foreign funding linked to electoral activities, while the Shin Bet would retain responsibility for leading the investigation.

According to the reports, the Shin Bet will continue to oversee the investigation because it is authorized to investigate 'Israeli' citizens, while the Mossad will contribute intelligence within its area of expertise, particularly information concerning Qatar.

'Israel Hayom' reported that the Shin Bet had approached the Mossad for assistance in examining whether foreign entities, particularly Qatari actors, had transferred money to organizations linked to the Joint List to influence the elections.

The allegations concern suspected efforts to mobilize Arab voters through foreign funding and potentially illegal financial transfers.

The investigation follows a request by Central Elections Committee Chairman Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg for the Shin Bet to examine suspicions of foreign interference in the vote.

Meanwhile, Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi told Kan Reshet Bet radio that the Shin Bet does not determine whether elections should be annulled.

"If necessary, we will turn to the courts and defend our right. From this standpoint, it is clear that there was electoral bribery and foreign interference," Karhi said.

The Shin Bet warned on Thursday against directing accusations at an entire community that had exercised its right to vote, without explicitly naming Arab citizens.

The agency also stressed that its investigation was based on intelligence it had independently gathered, not information provided by any political party. It said the inquiry remained ongoing and was limited in scope, emphasizing that it did not implicate an entire community that had voted legally.

The clarification came as Netanyahu's Likud party and its political allies intensified their campaign over Arab voter participation, with some calling for the election to be annulled and held again.

However, election officials have rejected claims of widespread voting irregularities. The Central Elections Committee said there was no evidence of systematic violations and stressed that the investigation would not affect the publication of the final results.

Qatar has also rejected allegations of interfering in the elections, describing the accusations as an attempt to draw the Gulf state into domestic political disputes.