The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) is investigating suspicions that funds were transferred from foreign sources, including entities in Qatar and Turkey, to organizations working to encourage voter turnout among Israel's Arab population.
Thus far, seven suspects have been arrested, and the case has been transferred to the management of Israel Police's Lahav 433 Unit.
According to the allegations under investigation, substantial sums of money were allegedly transferred to increase voter turnout in the Arab sector through illegal means, potentially influencing the outcome of the elections.
In some cases, the financial channels under examination allegedly resemble or overlap with networks previously used to transfer funds for terrorist activities, including through money changers and local institutions associated with the foreign countries.
Central Elections Committee chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg has instructed Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) Director David Zini to investigate the suspicions of foreign interference in Israel's elections.
Sohlberg's letter, sent on Wednesday, was titled "Directive to Investigate Suspicions Concerning Foreign Funding and Suspected Election Bribery by Foreign Entities."
In it, Sohlberg wrote, "Serious suspicions have been brought before me concerning improper influence on the elections through foreign funding provided by external entities acting against Israel's interests."
"I cannot attest to the validity of the aforementioned suspicions, but it seems to me that, given that these suspicions concern foreign entities, there is an obligation to investigate them thoroughly in order to safeguard the integrity of the Knesset elections, prevent illegal activity intended to undermine the democratic system, and prevent subversion."
He added, "In light of the deadlines established by law for filing an election appeal, I ask that you do everything possible to present me with findings, if any, within the coming week."
Israel Police Commissioner Danny Levy stated: "The Israel Police has pledged to safeguard the integrity of the elections at all costs, and that is exactly what it will do. Every complaint received and every suspicion of an offense related to election integrity will be thoroughly and impartially examined and investigated. We will not allow anyone to undermine the integrity of the elections or the democratic process. Whenever an offense is suspected, the police will act decisively to uncover the truth and bring those involved to justice, without exception."
The Arab sector saw unusually high voter turnout on Tuesday, resulting in an increase of five or more Knesset seats for the Joint List and Ra'am (United Arab List).
During the elections, three residents of the Negev were arrested on suspicion of attempting to bribe voters by distributing money in exchange for votes for Ra'am.
The three suspects, residents of Segev Shalom and Ar'ara Banegev areas, are suspected involvement in preparing cash intended for distribution to voters in an effort to influence their votes in the elections.
As part of the investigation, police searched the suspects' homes and discovered large amounts of cash held in envelopes.
Officers also seized ballot slips and additional evidence that police believe may be connected to the suspected offenses. The suspects were detained for questioning.