Election Committee Chair Rules He Lacks Authority on Government Legal Advisor's Directive

Central Elections Committee Chairman, Justice Noam Sohlberg, ruled on Friday that he does not have the authority to review the Attorney General's directive to postpone a memorial event for Rabbi Ovadia Yosef until after the elections. Shas had petitioned the committee chairman to overturn the Attorney General's instruction, citing concerns about election propaganda laws.

Sohlberg explained that according to the law, the memorial event for the late Rabbi should be held on or around his death anniversary, Cheshvan 3. The Ministry for Religious Services had scheduled the event for October 6-8, 2026, close to both the anniversary and the election date. The Attorney General's office advised postponing the event until after the elections due to fears of violating election propaganda regulations.

In his ruling, Sohlberg stated that the law does not grant him the power to cancel the Attorney General's directive or issue a declaratory order regarding the event's timing. He clarified that his decision does not reflect a stance on the substance of the matter, and that both Shas and the Attorney General's office can present their arguments in the appropriate legal proceedings.