Democrats Challenge Im Tirtzu and Likud Over Alleged Campaign Coordination
The Democrats party sent a legal warning to the Im Tirtzu movement and Likud, demanding clarification on whether the NGO constitutes an undeclared election body or a faction-linked entity for Likud ahead of the upcoming Knesset elections.
The Democrats party has issued a pre-legal notice to the "Im Tirtzu" movement and the Likud party, demanding clarifications regarding the NGO's activities during the election period. According to the Democrats, "Im Tirtzu" has been conducting activities in recent months that may be considered "election propaganda" under the Party Financing Law, and even raised the possibility that it should be viewed as a "body connected to a faction" of Likud.
The letter, signed by the Democrats' legal advisor, Adv. Omri Segev, claims that in recent years "Im Tirtzu" has operated in a distinctly political arena, particularly in campaigns supporting changes to the judicial system and sharply criticizing government opponents. It also notes that according to the Registrar of NGOs data, the budget of "Im Tirtzu" in 2024 stood at approximately 5.5 million shekels, the majority originating from donations from outside Israel.
Historical Ties to Likud Cited
The Democrats seek to base their claim also on historical ties between "Im Tirtzu" and Likud. The letter claims that as early as the 2015 election campaign, the NGO carried out activities that bore characteristics similar to Likud's campaign, including videos, social media activity, and efforts to mobilize voters in areas supporting the party. Past publications regarding the examination of the NGO's activity by the State Comptroller are also mentioned.
Subsequently, the letter points to alleged current personnel ties: the founder of "Im Tirtzu", Erez Tadmor, ran in the Likud primaries and was placed on its list for the Knesset; the NGO's chairman, Ronen Shengarten, previously registered as a Likud member; the NGO's spokesperson, Matan Asher, served as a communications advisor to Minister Avi Dichter; and the NGO's digital department head allegedly published messages supporting Likud and attacking rival parties.
Data Collection and Voter Targeting
The core of the Democrats' claim concerns "Im Tirtzu" activities in recent months. The letter provides examples of publications against the Democrats, Ra'am, Yashar!, and Gadi Eisenkot, as well as the "Voice of the People Headquarters" campaign, which the Democrats claim is intended to deter voters from supporting the anti-Likud camp and encourage voting for Benjamin Netanyahu and his party.
According to the letter, the activity is not limited to publishing messages alone. The Democrats claim that through the campaigns, supporters are recruited and registered in databases, providing personal details including name, email address, phone number, city of residence, and date of birth. In some registration forms, an ID number is also requested.
Legal Implications and Demands
The Democrats raise two alternative claims. The first is that "Im Tirtzu" is required to register with the State Comptroller as an "active body in elections" if the scope of its activity indeed crosses the threshold set by law. The second, harsher claim: "Im Tirtzu" should be considered a "body connected to a faction" of Likud, due to message similarities, personal ties, and financial connections.
If such a claim is accepted, the NGO's expenses could be considered Likud expenses, and donations received could be considered party donations, subjecting them to strict legal limits. The Democrats demand detailed responses regarding funding, campaign costs, and data sharing, warning that an appeal to the Central Election Committee and State Comptroller will follow if satisfactory answers are not provided.
