Shin Bet Launches Probe Into Suspected Qatari Funding of Israeli-Arab Vote
Israeli security services are investigating claims that foreign money flowed to voters via terror financing channels, a move that could reshape the outcome of the October 27 election.
By Amelia Gupta ·
Israeli internal security agency Shin Bet has opened an investigation into suspected foreign interference in the October 27 national election. The probe was ordered by Justice Noam Sohlberg, chairman of the Central Election Committee, following allegations of improper influence through foreign funding.
According to Channel 12, the security service is pointing to Qatar as the likely source of the funds. The report states that the money was intended to boost turnout among Israeli-Arab citizens and was moved through channels previously used for terror financing. If confirmed, the incident represents a major scandal involving external influence on a domestic vote.
The timing of the revelations coincides with a sharp rise in Arab voter participation. Turnout among Israeli-Arabs reached 80 percent, compared to roughly 40 percent in previous cycles. Political analysts estimate that Ra’am and the Joint List, the two leading parties representing this demographic, will secure 19 seats in the Knesset. That total would mark a historic high, up from the current ten seats held by Arab legislators.
The investigation gained momentum after Southern District detectives arrested four activists affiliated with the Ra’am party. Officers found tens of thousands of shekels in the homes of the suspects, alongside ballots and envelopes marked with the inscription "Gifts from the Islamic movement." Election observers in various Arab communities reported seeing voters carrying fuel vouchers and gift cards as they arrived at polling stations. Some voters acknowledged receiving these items in exchange for voting for Ra’am.
Likud officials have described the events as widespread electoral fraud and bribery, labeling the situation "The Ra’amgate affair." They argue the actions were part of a coordinated nationwide operation linked to the Islamic movement. Ra’am, the political wing of the Southern Branch of the Islamic Movement, is led by MK Mansour Abbas. In August, Abbas stated that the Arab parties would "put Israeli democracy to a test." He has previously characterized Hamas as a charity rather than a terror group.
Qatar has denied funneling money to Israeli-Arab voters. The state, which has historically financed Hamas, is a major economic power in the region. While the allegations do not currently threaten the overall result in which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds the largest share of the electoral vote, the probe could nullify portions of the Arab vote. This outcome would particularly affect Ra’am, which appears central to the bribery campaign.
The Shin Bet is required to submit its findings within one week. Until then, the Knesset remains in flux as parties negotiate coalition positions. The investigation marks a distinct departure from past electoral disputes, introducing a foreign state as a potential actor in the domestic political process.
