Election Committee Head Refuses to Overturn Ban on Rabbi Ovadia Yosef Memorial Event

The head of the Central Elections Committee, Justice Noam Sohlberg, has rejected a petition from the Shas party seeking to overturn the Attorney General's decision to postpone a state-sponsored memorial event for Rabbi Ovadia Yosef. The event, commemorating the anniversary of the revered Sephardic leader's passing, was scheduled to take place before the upcoming elections.

Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara ruled that the event's timing raised concerns about potential election propaganda violations. Shas argued that the gathering is a religious and cultural event honoring Rabbi Yosef's legacy, not a political rally.

In his response, Justice Sohlberg stated that he lacks the legal authority to override the Attorney General's directive or to issue a declaratory judgment approving the event. He emphasized that his decision does not reflect an opinion on the merits of the Attorney General's claims.

The Attorney General's decision has sparked significant anger within Shas, which released a sharp AI-generated video criticizing Baharav-Miara. The party accused her of blatant disregard for the law and disrespecting the feelings of millions of observant Jews.

Following Sohlberg's ruling, Shas is now considering its next steps, which may include petitioning the High Court of Justice or proceeding with a large public rally without government funding to ensure the memorial takes place as planned.