President Isaac Herzog responded to the suspected Qatari interference in the elections, saying that "the evidence and suspicions must be thoroughly investigated, and the offenders must be punished to the fullest extent of the law." He added: "I spoke this morning with Central Elections Committee Chairman Judge Noam Solberg and with Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar, and I am closely monitoring the developments." He concluded his remarks by addressing party representatives ahead of the consultations: "Open your minds, open your hearts and broaden your perspective. The question that should be before you is one - what is in the best interest of the state."