The Likud-Beiteinu
lodged two complaints with the Central Election Committee on Friday, stating that both the Labor
and Meretz
parties hired singers to perform at their events despite laws prohibiting just that.
The grievances were filed after the Likud-Beiteinu's own decision to hire Sarit Hadad
to sing at a campaign event
was deemed to be in violation of election campaign laws.
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Central Election Committee Chairman Justice Elyakim Rubinstein ruled Friday that the performance was in breach of Article 17 of the Israel Election Act, which states that political parties are barred from employing the services of artists as part of their campaign. Such a violation carries a fine of NIS 29,000 (roughly $7,800) – or six months in jail.
Gosh at Labor event (Photo: Avi Roccah)
The Likud-Beiteinu on Friday pointed out that Labor had previously hired Efrat Gosh
to sing at a conference, while Rona Kenan performed before Meretz supporters.
Labor officials claimed in response that unlike the Likud, the party is careful not to be frivolous with public funds. They further noted that Gosh is a Labor supporter and offered to appear at the event for free, but since such a performance would be considered to be an illegal donation, the party decided to compensate her.
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