Supreme Court Rejects Petition Against JNF Chairman Political Activity
Supreme Court Justice Noam Solberg dismissed a petition against JNF Chairman Eyal Ostrinsky, ruling political campaign bans do not apply to his political role.
The Central Elections Committee for the 26th Knesset, headed by Supreme Court Justice Noam Solberg, dismissed a petition filed by Deputy Minister Almog Cohen against JNF-KKL Chairman Eyal Ostrinsky. Solberg ruled that restrictions on political campaigning for JNF employees do not apply to the chairman due to the inherently political nature of the position.
Background of the Petition
The petition followed Ostrinsky public support for Gadi Eisenkot and his call to vote for him. Cohen argued this constituted illegal campaigning under the Knesset Elections Law, which prohibits JNF employees from engaging in political propaganda.
Solberg distinguished between the professional public service, which must remain neutral, and elected political figures. The judge explained that the JNF chairman is chosen through a political key and coalition agreements rather than standard employment procedures. However, Solberg stressed that the ban on using public assets for campaign purposes remains in strict effect.
Public Confrontation
The legal ruling followed a bitter public clash between Cohen and Ostrinsky. Cohen attacked Ostrinsky over his support for Eisenkot, labeling him a "radical left-wing criminal" and accusing him of turning a national institution into a political club.
Ostrinsky continues to act like a disciplinary criminal and turns a national body into a political club of the change bloc. The public sees exactly who is working for society and who is exploiting vast resources for political gain, stated Cohen.
Ostrinsky rejected calls for his suspension, arguing the petition was a politically motivated attempt to silence him. He emphasized his position stems from World Zionist Congress elections and coalition agreements signed by all factions, including Likud.
Ostrinsky Reaction
Following the dismissal, Ostrinsky welcomed the ruling and vowed to continue expressing his political views, criticizing the government handling of national security and public institutions.
I am a public figure holding a political office, elected on behalf of the liberal bloc. No attempt to silence me will succeed. I am here to stay and I am here to speak, Ostrinsky declared.
