The Intelligence Subcommittee convened today (Monday) for a confidential discussion on preparations for the election campaign for the 26th Knesset.
Committee Chairman MK Boaz Bismuth said in the opening session of the debate: "Following the letter I sent at the beginning of the month, in which I warned of attempts to interfere in the election system and the growing threat to the purity of the elections, I summoned the head of the Shin Bet, the chairman of the Elections Committee, and all relevant parties to examine the preparations for the elections for the 26th Knesset.".
""The upcoming election campaign will be a central target of Israel's enemies. Iran understands that it cannot defeat us on the battlefield, and therefore it will work to harm us from within: to incite a civil war - which will not happen, to deepen the rift in Israeli society and to turn the elections into another front.".
He added: "There is also a real fear of physical harm to elected officials and candidates, primarily the Prime Minister and ministers. Security agencies are required to exercise maximum vigilance, to prepare well for this scenario and to treat it with the utmost seriousness. The writing is on the wall.".
""Alongside external threats, there is also a danger of domestic threats. It intensifies when public trust in the institutions charged with maintaining the purity of elections is eroded, when the rules of the game are circumvented, and when enforcement is unequal.".
He emphasized: "The puzzling series of appointments made to the Elections Committee also raises questions and requires explanations.
""We will not allow the will of the voter to be harmed - neither from outside nor from within. Not through Iranian bots, not through millions of shekels poured in by foreign foundations and associations, nor through an official who seeks to place his judgment above the voter's ballot.".
Elections Committee Chairman Solberg addressed the claim about the puzzling appointments: "I was a little surprised by the things. We are aware of the disturbing publications regarding the appointments and are examining ourselves. All the appointments that have been made recently prove themselves day and night. As chairman, I feel that I trust them.".
Bismuth replied: "I'm surprised that you're surprised. During the discussion, we'll go over a series of appointments, and you'll see that these things weren't just said. Everything is backed up and authorized.".
Judge Solberg said in the hearing: "Impersonation, deception, and manipulation that are intended to disrupt the free will of the voter must be kept away from the democratic arena.".
Solberg added that the committee is working in close cooperation with security agencies and professionals, led by the Shin Bet and the National Cyber Directorate, "to ensure a proper, fair and credible election process.".
Shin Bet head David Zini, who was present at the hearing, presented the organization's assessments ahead of the elections to the committee members. According to him, the Shin Bet separates the organization's daily work and its subordination to the Prime Minister's Office from the responsibility "for providing the framework to maintain the purity of the elections.".
Zini sought to distance the security establishment from political involvement. "Guard us from any involvement in the political sphere, we are really, really not there," he emphasized.
