Judge Allows National Security Minister Ben Gvir to Attend Police Volunteers Event Despite Attorney General's Objection

On Monday morning, Noam Solberg, chairman of the Central Elections Committee, rejected a petition against National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir's participation in a police volunteers appreciation event scheduled for that evening in Tel Aviv. Solberg's decision came after Ben Gvir pledged in an affidavit not to deliver any election campaign messages during the event. This ruling contradicts the position of the State Attorney Gali Baharav-Miara, who expressed concerns that the official event could be exploited for prohibited political campaigning.

In his ruling, Solberg emphasized that no participant is allowed to conduct electioneering at the event and recommended, though did not require, that Ben Gvir submit his speech for prior legal review. The event, marking 50 years of the police volunteer corps, is organized and funded by the police.

Minister Ben Gvir welcomed the decision and criticized the State Attorney, stating that Baharav-Miara had once again failed in her attempt to prevent him from thanking the thousands of volunteers risking their lives. He affirmed his intention to attend and express his gratitude at the event.

The article also references related political tensions, including Prime Minister Netanyahu's statement to the Supreme Court affirming he will not dismiss Ben Gvir and a controversy over Ben Gvir's directive to review freedom of information requests within the police, which was deemed unlawful.