Israeli Election Broadcast Rules Interrupt Candidate's Appeal

With Israel's 26th Knesset elections just a week away on October 27, political parties are intensifying their efforts to gain voter support. Yoaz Hendel, former Minister of Communications and head of the "Reservists and Economists" list alongside Professor Yaron Zelekha, appeared on Channel 12's "6 with Oded Ben Ami." Hendel addressed his party's standing in recent polls, noting discrepancies between a Channel 12 poll showing 2.1% support, below the electoral threshold, and a Channel 13 poll that placed his list at four seats.

Hendel expressed confidence in his party's prospects, suggesting the Channel 12 poll was an anomaly and that other surveys show them surpassing the threshold. He also commented on Benny Gantz's decision to withdraw his Blue and White party from the election race, acknowledging Gantz's service to the country despite their political differences.

The interview took a notable turn when Hendel directly appealed to Gantz's former voters, urging them to join his "third bloc" which he stated would not partner with Prime Minister Netanyahu or ultra-Orthodox parties. However, host Oded Ben Ami interrupted Hendel, citing broadcast regulations that prohibit electioneering in the final week before the vote. Ben Ami explained that while politicians can discuss issues, direct calls to vote for a specific party are forbidden under Israeli election law, which restricts campaign broadcasts.

The law prohibits election propaganda for 60 days prior to elections, with exceptions only for regulated campaign advertisements. Hendel's appeal was deemed a potential violation, prompting Ben Ami to halt the segment to adhere to the legal limitations on election coverage.