Netanyahu Aide Triggered Ra'am Bribery Probe, Media Reports Reveal
Prime Minister Netanyahu's chief of staff reportedly tipped off police regarding Ra'am election bribery suspicions. Meanwhile, the Shin Bet investigates separate foreign funding claims.
Ido Boden, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's chief of staff, provided the police with the information that triggered an investigation into three Ra'am activists suspected of election bribery, according to media reports. Sources in law enforcement estimate that the case against the three suspects is weak and unlikely to result in an indictment, though the investigation remains ongoing.
The probe centers on school principals from the Negev region who were arrested on suspicion of offering financial payments to influence voters. Law enforcement authorities searched their homes, seizing cash and envelopes, while clarifying that no fuel vouchers were found despite earlier claims. Meanwhile, the Shin Bet is separately investigating suspicions of foreign funding and undue electoral interference following instructions from Central Election Committee Chairman Justice Noam Solberg.
Ra'am leader Mansour Abbas welcomed the investigation into foreign funding, emphasizing his party's commitment to election integrity and the rule of law. Abbas strongly denied any party involvement and accused Prime Minister Netanyahu of running an incitement campaign against Arab citizens, stating that law enforcement will find no wrongdoing.
