Odeh Named in Election Funding Probe

Israeli security services identified a senior Arab politician as the target of an investigation into foreign cash transfers ahead of the October 27 election. Ayman Odeh, the former head of the Hadash party and the Joint List, was named on Wednesday by multiple media outlets as the suspect previously kept anonymous in earlier reports.

David Zini, the head of the Shin Bet, has reportedly asked for permission to question Odeh. The inquiry examines claims that hundreds of thousands of shekels in cash moved from a foreign source to aid Arab voter turnout. While Zini initially sought to question other senior figures, including Mansour Abbas of Ra’am and Joint List members Ahmad Tibi and Sami Abou Shahadeh, investigators concluded that evidence was sufficient only for Odeh.

Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara commented on the process, noting that questioning lawmakers without sufficient evidence is technically illegal. In response, the Shin Bet clarified that it intended to question associates of the other leaders rather than the politicians themselves.

The Central Election Committee reviewed protocols from 9,069 polling stations and found no irregularities. The body certified the results to President Isaac Herzog, confirming the integrity of the vote. Despite this, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Likud allies have questioned the election's validity, arguing that suspected actions influenced the outcome.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir suggested on Wednesday that Arab party leaders be arrested and questioned in Shin Bet facilities. This proposal bypasses standard legal approvals. The initial fraud allegations, which surfaced on election day, centered on two theories: a vote-buying scheme involving Ra’am activists and a foreign-funded effort linked to Qatar or Turkey.

Odeh, who plans to retire from the Knesset when new lawmakers are sworn in next week, called the probe political persecution. In a statement, he said, "The historic turnout among Arab citizens has driven Netanyahu and the fascists out of their minds," adding that fear of losing power was causing the government to fire in every direction. He urged allies to work to replace the current administration.

The Joint List issued a statement supporting Odeh, describing the allegations as a serious escalation in the campaign of incitement against the Arab public. The party accused Zini of acting as a political arm for the Prime Minister. The statement noted that Arab-led parties secured a historic high of 19 Knesset seats due to record turnout. In a related development, Arab journalist Abed Abou Shahadeh was arrested overnight and charged with contacting a foreign agent. His defense team stated that the agent is former Balad MK Azmi Bishara, whom Abed Abou Shahadeh interviewed in Doha for a podcast. The judge noted that the journalist does not hold a government press card and described himself as a political consultant during his interrogation.