Israeli Judge Allows Minister Ben Gvir to Attend Police Volunteers' Appreciation Event Without Electioneering

On Monday, Supreme Court Deputy President and Central Elections Committee Chairman Noam Solberg rejected the Attorney General's position against Minister Itamar Ben Gvir's participation in a police volunteers' appreciation event. Solberg ruled that Ben Gvir may attend the event provided he refrains from delivering any election propaganda. This decision contrasts with Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara's earlier concerns that the event could be exploited for unlawful electioneering.

The ruling followed Ben Gvir's commitment not to engage in campaign speech during the event. The Attorney General had previously issued guidelines to government ministers ahead of the elections, emphasizing that any event funded by a government ministry must be evaluated individually to prevent misuse for political campaigning. Baharav-Miara clarified that while the event itself might be legitimate, a minister's participation could still constitute prohibited election propaganda.

Additionally, the Attorney General's guidelines now prohibit ministers from giving congratulatory speeches at such events, which were previously allowed, to avoid providing a platform for politicians running for office. The decision and guidelines highlight the legal scrutiny surrounding political activity in government-sponsored events during the election period.