Likud Demands Removal of Support Ad for Eisenkot, Citing Election Law Violation

The Likud party, through the law firm of Ilan Bombach, sent a warning letter to the chairman of the Jewish National Fund (JNF) demanding the removal of a social media post expressing public support for Gadi Eisenkot as a candidate for prime minister. The letter claims the post constitutes a "blatant violation" of the Knesset Election Law and the duties of a public official, arguing it is prohibited election propaganda under Section 130, which bars certain civil servants from engaging in electioneering. Likud cites past rulings that social media activity can be considered election propaganda if intended to influence voters, even outside work hours. The party demands immediate removal and warns of further legal action if not complied with.

The Likud party, through the law firm of Ilan Bombach, sent a warning letter today (Wednesday) to the chairman of the Jewish National Fund (JNF) demanding the removal of a social media post that expressed public support for Gadi Eisenkot as a candidate for prime minister. The letter claims the post, published on the JNF chairman's Facebook account, constitutes a "blatant violation" of the Knesset Election Law and the duties imposed on him in his public role. Likud argues the post amounts to "election propaganda" prohibited under Section 130 of the Election Law, which bars certain civil servants and public employees from participating in election campaigning. The letter references past rulings and decisions of the Central Elections Committee, stating that social media activity may be considered election propaganda when its purpose is to influence voters. It further claims the prohibition applies even if the post was made outside working hours, citing previous court decisions. According to Likud, a direct call to support Eisenkot in the elections goes beyond a personal opinion and constitutes prohibited election propaganda. Likud demands immediate removal of the post and warns that if the demand is not met, further legal steps will be considered.