Shin Bet Seeks Probe of Four Arab Politicians; Attorney General Demands Evidence

Israeli broadcaster i24NEWS reported Tuesday that Shin Bet chief David Zini requested Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara's approval to investigate four Arab politicians as suspects in an alleged election interference case. The request reportedly includes Ahmad Tibi, Mansour Abbas, and Sami Abu Shahada, with a fourth unnamed lawmaker. The attorney general conditioned approval on reviewing evidence, with materials so far limited to the unnamed deputy. Likud criticized her stance as obstruction. Disputes emerged over classifying the probe as security-related, which would allow expanded powers like restricting lawyer meetings and surveillance. Baharav-Miara rejected blanket classification, demanding evidentiary basis. Her office confirmed approving significant investigative steps while calling leaks misleading.