Judge Solberg Bars Finance Minister Smotrich From Speaking at Public Event Over Election Propaganda Concerns

On Sunday, Noam Solberg, chairman of Israel's Central Elections Committee, partially accepted a petition against the "G' Elul, Saluting the Path" events held at the Knesset to mark the yahrzeit of Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook. The petition, filed by Kobi Eisen, challenged Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's appearance in a promotional video for the event, arguing it constituted illegal election propaganda during the campaign period. The event is funded by the Jerusalem Municipality's Department of Torah Culture, contributing at least 5.94 million shekels, possibly fully financing it.

Solberg rejected the municipality's claim that the video was produced by an external party and ruled that Smotrich's prominent portrayal as a "known, desirable, and leading figure" could influence voters and promote his party list. The event organizers failed to provide a full program to the Elections Committee, leaving unclear whether Smotrich or other public officials would speak on stage. The judge emphasized the strengthened prohibition on using public resources for election propaganda during the campaign.

In a related ruling, Solberg criticized allowing appearances by public officials from only one party at events funded by local authorities, stating that even two speakers from the same party are insufficient. He called for diverse representation from multiple parties and streams to avoid one-sided election propaganda impressions. Consequently, Smotrich is barred from a solo political platform at the municipality-funded event without representation from other parties.

Solberg clarified that this does not permit impromptu political speeches and placed responsibility on event organizers to prevent election propaganda. The petition was partially accepted, the promotional video must be amended, and clear guidelines were set regarding permissible participation. No order for legal costs was issued.