Ben-Gvir Demands Swift Detentions in Probe of Foreign Cash for Ra'am

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has called for the immediate arrest of Arab party leaders suspected of handling foreign funds during the recent election. In a written statement released on October 29, Ben-Gvir urged the Shin Bet to detain these suspects and any other involved figures by that morning. He specified that this should include members of the Muslim Brotherhood and its offshoots, provided a legal basis exists for their detention.

The security agency began its investigation following a directive from Central Elections Committee Chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg. Sohlberg cited severe suspicions regarding improper influence through foreign funding by entities acting against Israeli interests. Investigators are currently examining specific funding channels, including suspected connections to networks previously associated with terrorist organizations. Preliminary inquiries point to Qatar and Turkey as the suspected sources of the money. Reports indicate that investigators intercepted envelopes containing cash and voting slips for the Ra'am party.

Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot stated he is in contact with relevant officials. A spokesperson for Eisenkot said Israel must protect the integrity of the elections and thoroughly investigate every complaint. The spokesperson added that political actors should not exploit the situation to influence the date of the swearing-in of the 26th Knesset.

Avigdor Liberman, chairman of Yisrael Beytenu, demanded a full investigation and described the situation as a testing ground for the state. Liberman stated that Arab party leaders must be questioned by the Shin Bet. He said, "The State of Israel will not be sold to radical Islam with terror funds."

Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats party, accused Likud of weaponizing state institutions for political gain. Golan said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is challenging election results through a campaign aimed at the Arab public. He added that the most serious Qatari involvement took place in Netanyahu's office.

Within the governing coalition, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called the suspected interference a testing ground for the state. Transportation Minister Miri Regev described the incident as a terror event intended to seize control of the Knesset and replace Netanyahu. United Torah Judaism chairman Yaakov Asher criticized secular society, noting that suspicions of vote buying with funds from enemy states were emerging.

The Shin Bet continues its inquiry into the alleged foreign financing. The Central Elections Committee maintains oversight of the process. No formal charges have been filed as of October 29.