Three suspects were arrested in the Negev on suspicion of attempting electoral bribery by distributing funds to voters in order to influence their vote in the 26th Knesset elections. As part of the Israel Police‘s preparations for the 26th Knesset election day, and in accordance with the policy of the Police Commissioner, Superintendent-General Danny Levy, to act decisively to maintain the purity of elections and ensure a proper democratic process, officers of the Southern District are working to detect and thwart election offenses and attempts to illegally influence voters’ will. Tonight, as part of an operation by the Southern District’s Central Unit (YAMAR), three suspects, residents of the Segev Shalom and Ar’arat an-Naqab Bedouin settlements, were arrested on suspicion of involvement in an attempt at electoral bribery, through funds that were allegedly intended for distribution to citizens in exchange for their vote for the Ra’am party. As part of the operation, searches were conducted in the suspects’ homes, during which envelopes containing tens of thousands of shekels in cash were seized, along with notes and additional findings suspected of being related to the offenses under investigation. The three suspects were transferred for investigation at the Southern District’s Fraud Unit, and today they are expected to be brought before the court for a hearing on the police’s request to extend their detention according to the needs of the investigation. The investigation is ongoing.