Security Chief Softens Stance After Dispute Over Arab Lawmaker Interrogations

The head of Israel’s security services has retreated from a direct push to question Arab legislators in a probe into foreign influence during the recent elections. The move follows a sharp disagreement with the Attorney General over the legal basis for the interrogation.

The conflict began when the Shin Bet, led by David Zini, sought to examine suspicions that Qatar and Turkey sent funds to sway voting in Arab communities. This investigation was initiated after Central Elections Committee chairman Noam Sohlberg cited severe suspicions of improper foreign influence. Earlier in the week, media reports indicated Zini wanted to interrogate Joint List member Ahmad Tibi, Ra’am chairman Mansour Abbas, and Balad chairman Sami Abu Shehadeh. He also sought to question one other unnamed official.

Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara denied the request on Tuesday. Her office cited the parliamentary immunity of the politicians and a lack of supporting evidence. A statement from her office noted that it is not permissible to interrogate citizens or elected officials without justification. The office emphasized that Israel is a state governed by the rule of law. Zini appeared to backtrack, with the Shin Bet clarifying that it intended to investigate individuals in the lawmakers' circles rather than the members themselves.

The agency also stated that reports claiming it would withhold information from the police were false. It confirmed full cooperation between the two bodies. Zini told Sohlberg that he would not deviate from the Attorney General's instructions. He stated he would not allow the country to be set on fire.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir urged Zini to act immediately. He called for the arrest and interrogation of Arab party leaders even without the Attorney General's permission. Ben-Gvir argued that the elections were stolen and that the formation of a new government should be halted. He said the country must not stay silent and must leave no stone unturned to expose the truth.

MK Yoav Segalovitz, who joined the Ra’am party, criticized Zini's actions. He called the move an immediate danger and said there was no evidentiary basis for the investigation. Segalovitz accused Zini of acting as an instrument for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the election loss. He stated that Zini is violating the Shin Bet Law and the principle of statehood.

Adalah, a legal center for Arab minority rights, accused Zini of attempting to cast doubt on the election results. The organization said the move aimed to undermine the legitimacy of Arab political representation. It described the action as a serious escalation in policies that portray Arab political activity as suspicious.

The Shin Bet presented intelligence to the committee on Wednesday. The agency indicated that the alleged transfer of large sums from foreign entities is a widespread phenomenon. It said the issue may involve thousands of people. The agency stated that additional intelligence gathering is required to determine the full scope.