"I am surprised that you are surprised": Confrontation between Bismut and the Chairman of the Elections Committee
During a Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee meeting, MK Boaz Bismut raised concerns regarding election integrity. Central Elections Committee Chairman Judge Noam Sohlberg defended recent appointments against the criticism.
In a discussion at the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee regarding preparations for the elections, with the participation of Shin Bet head David Zini, the committee chairman, MK Boaz Bismut, raised serious allegations today (Monday) regarding threats to the integrity of the elections and the maintenance of proper democratic order.
"Alongside the threats from outside, there is also a danger of threats from within. It intensifies when public trust in the institutions entrusted with maintaining the integrity of the elections is eroded, when the rules are played with, when they are clung to, and when enforcement is not equal," MK Bismut said. — "Now, also a series of appointments that were made in the Central Elections Committee is not so clear, sometimes even puzzling, one might say, it raises questions that require explanations."
In response, the chairman of the Central Elections Committee, Judge Noam Sohlberg, replied:
"I was a bit surprised by the remarks. We are indeed aware of such and other publications that were disturbing. We are examining ourselves; all the appointments to important positions made recently prove themselves time and time again in the work of the committee. They are excellent people, one by one."
Judge Sohlberg added that he trusts the professional capabilities of the staff and the committee's work. MK Bismut responded: "I am surprised that you are surprised. We will go through a series of appointments during the discussion, and you will see where it comes from. Believe me, everything is backed up and not invented."
Earlier today, it was published for the first time on Channel 13 News that in a series of conversations he held with senior Israeli officials, Shin Bet head Zini warned against attempts by Iran and foreign countries — including Russia and China — to disrupt the elections in Israel. According to Zini, the Shin Bet is allocating significant resources to deal with attempts to sabotage the election process. He defined the elections as the second issue that "most worries" the Shin Bet these days, after the threat of mega-terror attacks.
