Israeli Election Committee Orders Netanyahu to Remove Video Featuring Children from Social Media

The chairman of Israel's Central Election Committee, Judge Noam Solberg, has issued a temporary order requiring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to remove a video from his social media accounts that shows him alongside children. The video, posted two days ago, documented Netanyahu's visit to the Malha Mall in Jerusalem, where he interacted with visitors, including many children. The order follows a petition filed by attorney and accountant Yaron Meiri, who argued that the video violates the legal prohibition on using children under 15 in election propaganda, except in routine activities. According to Section 2g of the Elections Law, such use is explicitly forbidden.

Judge Solberg granted the request for a temporary injunction to remove the video until a final decision is made. He clarified that the video could be reposted after editing out the segments showing children in personal contact with Netanyahu. The legal process will continue after receiving responses from Netanyahu and the Likud party regarding the allegations. A final ruling will determine whether the video breaches election laws concerning children's participation in campaign materials and whether restrictions on its publication should remain in place.