Central Elections Committee Chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg rejected a petition seeking to prevent National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir from attending and speaking at an appreciation event for police volunteers and civilian security squads.
The decision was issued contrary to the position of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, who claimed that the event constituted election campaigning.
The Attorney General argued that the event is identified with Ben Gvir's success in establishing more than 1,000 civilian security squads. Justice Sohlberg, however, accepted the position of attorney Ze'ev Wolf, who represents Ben Gvir.
Wolf argued that the guidelines were personalized and written specifically for this event. Following the decision, Ben Gvir will be permitted to attend the event and deliver a speech.
Ben Gvir responded to the decision: "Gali Baharav-Miara tried to stop us when we established the civilian security squads - and failed. Now she tried to prevent me from coming to thank them - and failed again."
"I established more than 1,000 civilian security squads, and this evening I will come to thank the thousands of heroes who dedicate their time and risk their lives for the security of Israel's citizens."