Israeli Government Authority Sets Rules to Prevent Political Activity in State Companies During Elections

The Israeli Government Companies Authority has appointed a special supervisor to oversee political activity within state-owned companies during the election period. Certified public accountant Yaakov Ginzburg will monitor compliance with regulations designed to prevent political activity during working hours, particularly the use of company resources such as employees, vehicles, or facilities for political campaigning.

This move follows previous instances where political activity was prevalent in government companies, often led by employee unions. For example, in Israel Aerospace Industries and its subsidiary Elta, a WhatsApp group was created by employees ahead of the Likud party's primary election mechanism vote. While political participation by employees outside work hours is permitted, the Authority aims to restrict such activities during official working time.

Responsibility for enforcing these guidelines lies with company CEOs, legal advisors, and internal auditors. Any violations identified by the appointed supervisor will be documented in a report submitted after the elections. Recently, the Authority distributed these guidelines to chairpersons of boards, CEOs, and legal counsel of government companies. The rules prohibit using company resources for election propaganda, holding candidate visits or events on company premises, restrict involvement of officeholders and directors in election campaigns, and require internal monitoring mechanisms.

Each board of directors has been instructed to develop internal procedures to ensure compliance. This is reportedly the first government body to issue such specific instructions ahead of the current election cycle, with similar guidelines expected soon from the Government Legal Advisor.