Sohlberg allows Ben-Gvir to attend police event despite election campaigning concerns

Central Elections Committee chairman and Supreme Court Deputy President Noam Sohlberg has denied a petition that sought to bar National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from speaking at a police volunteer appreciation event. The petition raised concerns that Ben-Gvir's attendance would amount to prohibited election campaigning.

The event is officially planned to celebrate 50 years of the police volunteer system. Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara had supported the petition, arguing that even without speaking, Ben-Gvir's presence could turn the police-funded event into an election campaign platform. Due to time constraints, Sohlberg issued a decision without full reasoning, which will be published later.

Sohlberg's ruling acknowledged Ben-Gvir's commitment in a sworn affidavit not to engage in election campaigning during the event. "It goes without saying that no one is permitted to engage in election campaigning - verbally, visually or in any other manner - at this event," Sohlberg stated. He also suggested that speeches be reviewed by legal advisors beforehand, though this was not a mandatory condition for Ben-Gvir's participation. The petition was filed by the NGO Voting for Israel.

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It goes without saying that no one is permitted to engage in election campaigning - verbally, visually or in any other manner - at this event.