Election results stand despite probe

"I am addressing you this evening out of the responsibility entrusted to me to safeguard the integrity of the elections, and out of the commitment to present the facts to you as they are," Solberg said. "First of all, I want to emphasise: your decision at the ballot box will be honoured. This is the commitment of the Central Elections Committee to every citizen in Israel. I tell you with full responsibility: the elections to the 26th Knesset were conducted properly. To the extent that there are irregularities, they are being examined in these days. The election results reflect the will of the voters."

"Standing beside me here are the attorney general and the head of the Shin Bet. We stand here together, and the words I am saying to you are agreed upon by all three of us," he clarified. "In recent days, many things have been published about the investigation being conducted by the Shin Bet. Most of these publications are not accurate. The investigation is in the covert stage, it is based on classified information, and at this stage, naturally, there is no possibility of revealing its details. Nevertheless, it is our duty to convey to you the information that can be published, and to clarify its significance."

He further stated that "recently, serious suspicions have emerged that require examination, relating to funding from foreign sources, intended to influence the election system, and which may have a security dimension. Following the information presented to me, I instructed the Shin Bet to investigate the suspicions according to law. I want to clarify: suspicions are suspicions. In order to challenge election results, solid evidence is required."

According to Solberg, "the examination is ongoing and the attorney general and all relevant parties are partners in the investigative actions, and are updated on its progress and findings. The suspicions that have been presented, are serious. We will investigate them to the end and get to the root of the truth."

At the same time, Solberg said explicitly that "alongside this, the claim that the evidence before us now could overturn the election results in their entirety, is incorrect. The citizens of Israel voted last Tuesday, in record numbers. They expressed their position, and it will be honoured."

"Our position is that even if the suspicions are confirmed, this does not detract from the integrity of the election process and the election results in their entirety," it was clarified. "The examination of the suspicions will continue with full seriousness. A joint team will be established led by the Shin Bet, Israel Police and the State Attorney's Office for the purpose of reaching the truth. The chairman of the Central Elections Committee will follow closely until the conclusion of the clarification on the matter. At the same time, the election process will be completed as scheduled. These two duties do not contradict, but are intertwined with one another."

"I also want to clarify this: there is nothing in these matters to cast aspersions on the voting of Arab society," Solberg stated. "Citizens who went out to vote exercised their democratic right. Broad participation in elections is a blessed thing in Arab society, and in every public in Israel."

In concluding his remarks, Solberg pledged that "we will continue to update the public with verified information, as quickly as possible and within the constraints required. Citizens of Israel, on election day you had your say. Our responsibility is to safeguard your decision and to complete the process in accordance with the law. On Wednesday, the official results will be published and submitted to the president of the state, as they are. The results will be published on schedule. Your voice will be counted. Your decision will be honoured."