Judge Orders Removal of Netanyahu Video Featuring Children from Social Media

Noam Solberg, chairman of Israel's Central Elections Committee, issued a temporary order on Thursday to remove a video posted on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's social media accounts. The video showed Netanyahu visiting the Malha Mall in Jerusalem, interacting with visitors including many children, talking and taking photos with them. The order followed a petition filed by lawyer and CPA Yaron Meiri, who argued that the video violated election law prohibiting the use of children under 15 in election propaganda, except in routine activities. Under Section 2g of the Election Law (Campaign Methods), such use is forbidden. Meiri requested a temporary injunction to remove the video until the petition is resolved. Solberg granted this request, mandating removal from all Netanyahu accounts. However, the judge clarified that the video could be reposted if all footage showing children in personal contact with Netanyahu is removed. The legal process is ongoing, with further hearings planned after Netanyahu and the Likud party respond to the claims raised in the petition.