Sohlberg: Election suspicions have not developed into evidence, but inquiry must continue

Central Elections Committee chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg has stated that the investigation into suspected foreign interference in Israel's recent election has not yet yielded concrete evidence, but emphasizes the necessity of a thorough inquiry. In a letter to committee members, Sohlberg commended the work of the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and its director, David Zini, stating that he had found no instances where government legal advisers had denied investigative requests submitted by the agency.

Sohlberg addressed several key issues surrounding the ongoing inquiry, noting that most media reports were inaccurate, "to put it mildly." He emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, with classified information being presented that has not yet developed into actual evidence, and may not do so in the future. Despite this, Sohlberg insisted that the information requires continued intensive investigation until it has been fully pursued.

The evidentiary position remains similar to that presented before the committee's public statement last week. Sohlberg met with the investigation's managers, including representatives from the Shin Bet, police, and State Attorney's Office, to gain firsthand insights into the progress of the inquiry. He found that the government's legal advisers had not refused investigative requests submitted by the Shin Bet, and assured that any request grounded in suspicion required by law would be examined promptly and efficiently.

Sohlberg thanked the Shin Bet for its efforts in protecting the election, including their information security operations, which he could not detail publicly. He emphasized that the agency deserves gratitude and the public's trust.