Likud Demands Investigation Into Ehud Barak's Gideonim Organization
Likud demands an investigation into Ehud Barak's "Gideonim" organization over alleged plans to disrupt vote counting, sparking political controversy ahead of the upcoming elections in Israel.
The Likud party has officially petitioned the Central Election Committee, the Attorney General, and the Police Commissioner demanding an investigation into potential threats to electoral integrity. The complaint follows recent media reports concerning the activities of the "Gideonim" organization, established by former Prime Minister Ehud Barak.
The appeal was highlighted in a video published by Likud, featuring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussing the matter with attorney Ilan Bombach. Bombach warned of alleged attempts to disrupt the upcoming vote count and interfere with the democratic process.
Allegations of Electoral Interference
According to Bombach, hundreds of activists linked to protest movements such as Kaplan Force and Brothers in Arms plan to gather near vote-counting stations and the Knesset. He claimed these demonstrators intend to pressure officials and disrupt the counting of double envelopes.
Bombach criticized the authorities for a lack of response, stating that his inquiries to the Election Committee and law enforcement agencies were met with bureaucratic delays and inaction.
Netanyahu Responds
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on the video, stating:
This is very typical of Kaplan, they accuse us of what they are planning to do.
He called upon law enforcement agencies to take immediate action to guarantee the integrity of the elections and protect democratic procedures.
The controversy stems from a recent investigative report revealing that Barak and a group of activists formed the "Gideonim" organization to operate during and after election day. According to reports, the group discussed potential scenarios including threats to vote slips and pressure on opposition lawmakers, while organizers also raised the prospect of demonstrations near official residences if election results are contested.
