Overview
- Central Elections Committee chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg rejected a petition that sought to bar National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir from attending and speaking at an appreciation event for police volunteers and civilian security squads.
- Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara had recommended that Ben Gvir be prevented from participating on the grounds his presence could amount to illegal electioneering tied to initiatives promoted by his ministry.
- Sohlberg accepted arguments from Ben Gvir’s lawyer that the legal restrictions did not apply to this specific event and noted the minister pledged not to deliver electioneering remarks, leaving Ben Gvir free to thank volunteers in person.
- The event centers on measures introduced after the October 7 attacks, notably the rapid creation of more than 1,000 civilian security squads and expanded civilian gun licensing, policies that supporters credit with saving lives and critics say are being framed as campaign achievements.
- Coverage split reflects the politics of the dispute: some outlets hailed the ruling as a victory for Ben Gvir while others highlighted concerns about timing, police funding of the event, and the broader institutional clash between the minister and the Attorney General.