Election Committee Chief Rejects Bid to Block Netanyahu's Call with Police Commissioner

The Chairman of the Central Elections Committee, Justice Noam Sohlberg, has dismissed a petition seeking to prevent a work call between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Police Commissioner, Dani Levy, scheduled just two days before elections. The petition was filed by the "Voters in Israel" organization, arguing that the meeting, which also included National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, could compromise election integrity. Sohlberg ruled that insufficient evidence was presented to prove that the discussion itself would constitute an election violation.

In his response to the petition, Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that the call was intended to receive an update from the Police Commissioner regarding the police's security preparations for election day, citing threats and warnings. He emphasized that the conversation was unrelated to election fairness and that his responsibility for national security continues regardless of the election proximity. This aligns with the Likud party's position that the meeting was a continuation of a security discussion involving defense officials.

Conversely, the Attorney General clarified that while the police operate under the guidance of the Central Elections Committee regarding election management and public order, political figures and candidates should not interfere in these matters. Therefore, a meeting focused on election management or issues within the committee's purview should not take place.

Despite dismissing the petition, Justice Sohlberg clarified the boundaries of political authority concerning election preparations. He stated that the Prime Minister and the National Security Minister are permitted to meet with the Police Commissioner on general public order matters and receive updates on police readiness. However, they do not have the authority to direct the commissioner on issues of election integrity, preparations, or related police activities.

Sohlberg noted that the Police Commissioner was scheduled to meet with Amit, the acting Director-General of the Elections Committee, later that evening to finalize decisions and directives regarding election preparations. He registered Prime Minister Netanyahu's declaration that the call would be a phone conversation not involving election preparations or integrity. Sohlberg concluded by urging all parties to strictly adhere to their designated authorities in election matters.