Supreme Court Backs Minister Ben-Gvir on Election Day Security Measures

Israel's Supreme Court has rejected a petition filed by the Joint List against National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir concerning the deployment of armed observers on election day. The Joint List had argued that the presence of armed individuals, including those carrying weapons, at polling stations was intended to provoke and intimidate Arab citizens, potentially deterring them from voting and leading to violent confrontations. They claimed the initiative's purpose was not to ensure election integrity but to create disturbances in Arab towns and mixed cities.

Representing the Election Committee, the police, and the minister, the State Attorney's office countered that there was no basis for judicial intervention in the Israel Police's professional assessment. The police maintained that there was no genuine concern or operational need to restrict the carrying of weapons by authorized personnel at polling stations. Justice Gila Kenfy-Steinitz, writing for the court, stated that the court does not substitute its judgment for that of the authorized authority unless there is a fundamental flaw, especially when security and public order considerations, including intelligence information, are involved.

Justice Kenfy-Steinitz emphasized that the Israel Police is the professional body responsible for public security and order, possessing the necessary knowledge, experience, and tools. She noted the police conducted thorough preparations to ensure order and the proper functioning of the democratic process, including deploying approximately 5,000 armed guards and security checkers at polling sites nationwide. The police forces were to be briefed on authorized personnel permitted in polling areas during voting hours.

The court found no genuine concern of public disorder at polling stations caused by armed personnel. In response, the Adalah Center stated that the outcome allowed participants in what they termed a provocation by Netanyahu and Smotrich to display a militia-like presence in Arab towns.