Gadera Council Member Faces Ouster Process Amid Active Reserve Military Service
A political controversy has erupted in the local council of Gadera following the initiation of an administrative removal process against council member Sahar Revach, a Likud representative. On Wednesday, Mayor Sahar Pinto sent an official letter to Revach notifying him of his seat's vacancy under Section 105 of the Local Councils Ordinance, citing Revach's absence from nine consecutive council meetings without prior approval, which allegedly hindered critical decision-making in the municipality.
Revach and his supporters strongly reject these claims, presenting evidence of his continuous active reserve military service on the front lines under emergency orders for over 850 days since the outbreak of the recent war. Military certificates were submitted to confirm that his absences were legally justified under Section 104(b) of the ordinance due to his reserve duty.
Former mayor and opposition leader Yoel Gamliel condemned the removal attempt, stating that Mayor Pinto was fully aware that Revach's absences were solely due to his reserve service. Gamliel praised Revach as a dedicated Likud member and patriot whose family also serves Israel's defense, criticizing the mayor for persecuting reservists instead of honoring them.
Conversely, a council source close to Pinto claimed no official documentation proving Revach's active reserve service during the absences has been provided. The source questioned Revach's attendance at public events in the afternoons, including a recent youth movement ceremony, while missing critical council sessions, including sensitive discussions on the suspension of a senior official accused of sexual harassment. The council emphasized its ongoing support for reservists and expects Revach to comply with legal requirements by submitting the necessary proof. If valid military service documentation is presented, the removal process will be canceled. The Ministry of Interior has also expressed concern over the prolonged absences and considered issuing a formal warning independently of the council's discretion.
