Coalition Members Criticize Smotrich for Blocking Proposal to Prevent Censorship of Ministers' Social Media

Right-wing coalition members have sharply criticized Smotrich Party MK Simcha Rothman, chairman of the Knesset Constitution Committee, accusing him of blocking a legislative amendment aimed at limiting the Central Election Committee's authority to order the removal of social media content posted by the Prime Minister and ministers on grounds of election propaganda. The proposal, initially submitted by MK Itzik Kroizer from Otzma Yehudit ahead of the elections, sought to allow ministers and MKs to publish political content from their offices and to be filmed during official visits alongside their ministries.

According to coalition sources, the amendment was formulated partly in response to comments by Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg and did not face significant opposition. However, after Kroizer's proposal to permit ministers to be filmed during official activities was introduced, Rothman reportedly hardened his stance and opposed advancing the bill. If Rothman maintains his position, the Central Election Committee will continue to have the power to remove posts by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, citing election propaganda concerns.

The coalition members argue that documenting ministers during their official duties has been a longstanding practice across governments and political spectrums. They further claim Rothman is avoiding promoting the amendment due to fears it might be struck down by the Supreme Court, instead of confronting petitions filed by left-wing groups against right-wing officials' social media posts. They warn that restricting ministers' ability to share content during election periods could harm their outreach to the public. Rothman has not yet responded to the criticism.