Netanyahu and Ben-Gvir Discussed Election Integrity Despite Court Restrictions

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, and Police Commissioner Danny Levy held a meeting on Sunday that included discussions on election integrity, despite limitations set by the Chairman of the Central Elections Committee, Judge Noam Sohlberg. The meeting's agenda was reported by Kan 11.

During the discussion, Ben-Gvir inquired about police awareness of publications by "anarchist groups," as he termed them, intending to disrupt Tuesday's elections. Levy confirmed that all received information is being investigated. Netanyahu sought to understand the police's strategy for countering such attempts, and Levy stated that road blockades would be met with a "firm hand."

Sohlberg had previously rejected a petition against the meeting but clarified that neither the Prime Minister nor the Minister of National Security have the authority to instruct the police on election integrity matters. His decision was based on Netanyahu's assurance that the meeting would focus on security preparations. Earlier, the Likud party claimed the meeting was solely about security threats, not election integrity, with Netanyahu informing the elections committee that the discussion concerned security warnings about potential terrorist actions aimed at disrupting the elections.

Prior to the meeting, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara expressed opposition, stating that political figures should not be involved in managing elections. Gadi Eisenkot, head of the National Unity Party, also criticized the meeting, accusing Netanyahu of attempting to interfere with the election process.

Meanwhile, Channel 12 reported that the police are preparing for attempts to disrupt election day. A senior police official indicated that warnings have been received regarding protests by Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) individuals aimed at disrupting voting, blocking roads, and hindering voter access to polling stations. Approximately 22,000 officers are expected to be deployed nationwide, with police presence at nearly every polling station. Polling stations were categorized by risk level for potential friction, with particular focus on Haredi and Arab communities. Yasam (special patrol units) forces will be deployed if necessary.

Netanyahu also raised concerns about an organization called "HaGideonim," which a senior police official described as including extreme left-wing activists intending to physically protect the Knesset and block Netanyahu at his residence. The Prime Minister requested the police give this matter special attention. Beyond election day itself, police are concerned about post-election events, including potential attempts to breach the Knesset, though no concrete intelligence supports this. A senior official noted that post-election scenarios, including protests and potential terror attacks or missile fire, are a greater concern than election day itself, despite recent terror warnings without a concrete threat for election day.