Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir Allowed to Speak at Police Volunteer Event Despite Attorney General's Objection

The Central Elections Committee rejected a petition against National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, permitting him to speak at a police volunteer event in Tel Aviv on Monday evening. Committee chairman Judge Noam Solberg emphasized that the decision was contingent on Ben-Gvir's commitment not to deliver election propaganda during the event. This ruling contrasts with the Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara's position, who expressed concerns that the event could be exploited for illegal election campaigning. Solberg noted in his decision that Ben-Gvir had pledged, including in his affidavit, to avoid any electioneering remarks and advised that his speech be reviewed by legal advisors beforehand, though this was only a recommendation.

The Attorney General opposed Ben-Gvir's stage presence but did not object to his attendance at the event, which is organized and funded by the police to mark 50 years of the volunteer corps. The Otzma Yehudit party argued that the Attorney General's stance was based on the event being associated with Ben-Gvir's political success. Ben-Gvir responded by highlighting his role in establishing over 1,000 neighborhood security units and stated he would attend to thank the volunteers risking their lives for Israeli citizens' safety.

Ben-Gvir has previously been criticized for using police resources for political messaging. In March, he posted a video showing himself on a police boat alongside a person in police uniform and a woman referencing his promotion of the death penalty for terrorists. In the video, Ben-Gvir made explicit remarks about implementing the death penalty by hanging, shooting, or drowning. Following the video's release, Judge Solberg ordered its removal, along with another video showing Ben-Gvir interacting with prison guards and inmates, citing improper use of public assets for election propaganda.