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By Bernard Moerdler,
Investigators suspect money originating in Qatar was transferred under the guise of legitimate donations as part of an effort to influence voting, according to Israel Hayom. The suspected funding method is being examined as part of the inquiry into foreign interference in the election.
A source familiar with the investigation told the newspaper that those involved could face lengthy prison sentences if the suspicions are substantiated.
Police said four additional men were arrested for questioning Thursday morning in the election-bribery investigation, following the arrest of three southern residents on Tuesday morning, election day. The case was transferred to Lahav 433, where police said the four were being questioned. The latest police statement updates the earlier report of three additional arrests.
The developments follow Central Elections Committee chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg's instruction to Shin Bet chief David Zini to investigate suspicions of foreign funding and election bribery. In his letter dated Wednesday, Sohlberg directed the agency to seek evidence that could substantiate or refute the suspicions and requested any findings in the coming week, citing deadlines for election appeals.
Reported by Bernard Moerdler for Bernie News Network. See our editorial standards and corrections policy.