Shin Bet Probes Foreign Interference in Israeli Elections

The Shin Bet is investigating suspicions that foreign entities, specifically from Qatar and Turkey, transferred funds to illegally increase voter turnout among Israel's Arab population during the October 27, 2026, Knesset elections. Central Elections Committee Chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg ordered the probe on Wednesday, citing serious suspicions of improper influence by actors operating against Israeli interests. The Israel Police's Lahav 433 Unit has since arrested seven suspects and seized cash and ballot slips.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Likud party have labeled the situation Ra'amgate, alleging that Arab parties stole the election through bribery, forgery, and prohibited software. Netanyahu characterized the affair as an earthquake and an attack on democracy intended to facilitate a foreign takeover of the Knesset. However, the Israel Police initially rejected claims of widespread fraud, stating that electoral irregularities actually declined by nearly 40% compared to previous votes.

Preliminary results show no clear majority in the 120-seat Knesset, with Netanyahu's bloc holding 53 seats, Gadi Eisenkot's opposition bloc holding 48, and Arab parties holding 19. This positioning makes Arab parties potential kingmakers. The Government of Qatar and its Ministry of Foreign Affairs have categorically denied any interference, describing the accusations as a disinformation campaign. President Isaac Herzog called for a full investigation into the allegations while cautioning against tarnishing the Arab community. Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot supported the probe but warned against using it to delay the swearing-in of the 26th Knesset.