Israel’s domestic security agency, the Shin Bet, has conducted an investigation into allegations of foreign interference in elections held last month but has found no substantiating evidence, according to Israeli law enforcement officials cited in reporting by Haaretz on Monday.
The investigation, which remains ongoing, has not uncovered evidence supporting claims that funds were transferred from the Palestinian Authority or Qatar to Arab-led political parties in Israel to boost voter turnout. Senior officials familiar with the inquiry characterized the allegations as lacking concrete foundation. One official stated the matter was “certainly not a security matter, and is highly doubtful that it is even a criminal one,” while another noted that available information consisted of “intelligence information without any real substantiation.”
The allegations originated from Netanyahu’s Likud party and other officials following strong electoral performance by Arab-led parties representing Palestinian citizens of Israel, which secured 19 seats in the legislative body. Investigators questioned dozens of individuals and examined records from major fuel companies to investigate claims that voters had been offered fuel cards in exchange for support, but found no unusual activity. Ahmad Tibi, a prominent Arab politician, addressed questions about a visit to Qatar days before the election, explaining he traveled to Doha to appear on a media outlet.
Qatar has consistently denied allegations of interference or funding related to the Israeli elections, characterizing such claims as part of a disinformation campaign. The country’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari stated on October 29 that Qatar rejected accusations aimed at dragging the nation into Israeli domestic political disputes.
Israel’s attorney general Gali Baharav-Miara indicated on Sunday that no evidence had emerged from the investigation that would substantiate claims of election influence. Police and Shin Bet assessments are expected to be submitted to the attorney general in the coming days.
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