Delegitimization of the Central Elections Committee: MKs to be convened for a special meeting

The Central Elections Committee (CEC) is taking a stand against a campaign of delegitimization. Next week, the committee will hold a special meeting with the heads of Knesset factions to present lawmakers with the dangers inherent in efforts to deny the legitimacy of its members, as first reported this Friday in the "Shishi" edition.

Beyond outlining these risks, faction leaders will be presented with scenarios designed to help combat undue influence on election results, both from internal and external sources. The CEC has established a special team to handle and examine these issues and all potential scenarios.

These developments follow an unusual confrontation last Monday between the committee chairman, Judge Noam Sohlberg, and the chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Boaz Bismuth. During a discussion on election preparations with the head of the Shin Bet, David Zini, Bismuth raised serious concerns regarding the integrity of the elections:

"Alongside the threats from outside, there is also a danger of threats from within. It intensifies when public trust in the institutions entrusted with maintaining the integrity of the elections is eroded and when enforcement is unequal."

Bismuth also referred to recent appointments to the CEC, describing them as "unclear, sometimes even strange," and stating that they "raise wonder and questions that require explanations."

Judge Sohlberg responded to the criticism:

"I was a bit surprised by the remarks. We are aware of the disturbing publications. We are checking ourselves, and all recent appointments to important positions prove their worth time and again in the committee's work. They are excellent people, one by one."

Sohlberg added that he fully trusts the professional capabilities of the staff and the committee's internal systems. Bismuth countered, insisting that his concerns were backed by facts and would be addressed in future discussions.

Following this exchange, and as part of election preparations, CEC Chairman and Acting Director General, Adv. Din Livne, met on Sunday with Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and State Attorney Amit Aisman. Sohlberg stated:

"The Central Elections Committee is preparing for all challenges involved in holding the elections, in close cooperation with all state authorities. The commitment of law enforcement agencies to determined and effective enforcement of election laws is a central component in ensuring a proper election process."

Baharav-Miara noted that maintaining the integrity of the elections is a cornerstone of Israeli democracy and emphasized that law enforcement agencies will act in full cooperation with the committee to ensure a fair and transparent process.