Israel investigates possible foreign influence on elections

The Israeli election committee has requested Shin Bet to investigate alleged Qatari funding to groups in Israel, though no election fraud is suspected. The security service has been aware of these funds since mid-October but did not inform the committee. Receiving foreign funds is legal but regulated. Voter turnout was the highest in nearly 30 years, with Palestinian participation reaching a record 80%. Prime Minister Netanyahu and allies have claimed without evidence that Arabs stole the elections. The opposition argues that the investigation aims to delay the new Knesset's inauguration. Netanyahu faces criticism for not acting on Shin Bet's warnings about Qatari funds potentially reaching Hamas.