Lieberman Reveals PA Suspected of Funding Joint List in Shin Bet Probe

Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Lieberman revealed on Monday that the Shin Bet investigation into foreign funding and influence in the recent elections is examining suspicions that funds were transferred from the Palestinian Authority to the Joint List to boost voter turnout in the Arab sector. Speaking at a press briefing, Lieberman stated that the Palestinian Authority is meddling in domestic affairs, while emphasizing that despite this external influence, the election results were not stolen and there is no fear of vote-rigging.

According to Lieberman, the Palestinian Authority was involved in an attempt to sway the elections in favor of the Joint List using funds originating from Qatar. The Shin Bet probe is currently examining the origins of these funds and how they were utilized to encourage voting within the Arab community.

An official familiar with the investigation's details told the press: "Even if the most severe suspicions being examined in this affair turn out to be true, they are not sufficient to alter the election results or the distribution of mandates."

The affair came to light last Thursday after Central Election Committee Chairman, Judge Noam Solberg, approached Shin Bet Director David Zini following intelligence regarding suspected foreign funding and election bribery by external actors. The appeal sparked widespread political and public uproar, prompting allegations of stolen elections.

The Shin Bet quickly clarified that the information stemmed from the agency's own intelligence sources rather than any political party or external faction, noting that the investigation is ongoing. Officials emphasized that the electoral process remained orderly and that the findings do not invalidate the overall outcome.