“Violation of prohibition”: CEC chairman orders removal of Netanyahu video featuring children

Central Elections Committee Chairman Judge Noam Sohlberg issued a temporary order to remove a video of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, published on his social media accounts, showing him visiting the Malha Mall in Jerusalem and talking with children. The order came in response to a petition by attorney Yaron Meiri, who alleged a violation of the ban on using children in election propaganda. Sohlberg noted that the video could be re-uploaded if the segments showing children in personal contact are removed.

Central Elections Committee Chairman Judge Noam Sohlberg issued a temporary order on Thursday instructing the removal of a video of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which was published on his social media accounts two days ago. The video shows Netanyahu visiting the Malha Mall in Jerusalem, meeting visitors, including many children, talking and taking photos with them. The order was issued following a petition filed by attorney and CPA Yaron Meiri, who argued that the video violates the prohibition on involving children in election propaganda, according to Section 2(g) of the Election Law (Propaganda Methods), which prohibits using children under the age of 15 in propaganda unless they are engaged in routine activity. Sohlberg noted that the video could be re-uploaded if the segments showing children in personal contact with Netanyahu are removed. The hearing on the petition continues until a final decision, after receiving responses from the Prime Minister and the Likud party.