Elections Committee forces Shas and Bennett to pull IDF imagery from campaign ads

Key points

• Justice Noam Solberg issued an interim order for Shas to remove a campaign video showing a son returning from army base, which the party claimed demonstrated unity between yeshiva students and soldiers.
• The Yashar party, led by Gadi Eisenkot, demanded the video's removal, arguing it violated the Elections Law by implying IDF support for Shas, a party criticized for promoting draft evasion.
• Shas removed the video after the order but accused the left of spreading propaganda, stating the ad was meant to refute claims that the party supports draft evasion.
• In a separate ruling, the Central Elections Committee ordered Naftali Bennett to remove footage of IDF soldiers and an artillery piece from his Beyachad campaign video, following a Likud petition.
• Justice Solberg ruled that Bennett's use of IDF assets was not marginal and violated the law, but ordered only the specific segments removed rather than the entire video.

Background

This dispute occurs ahead of the October 27, 2026, Israeli elections, amid ongoing controversy over haredi conscription. Shas, a key coalition partner, has faced criticism for pushing legislation that critics argue does not increase ultra-Orthodox enlistment, including a bill to freeze arrests of draft evaders. The Yashar party, led by former IDF chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot, is a leading opposition candidate seeking to replace Prime Minister Netanyahu. The broader political landscape includes tensions over the use of public assets in election campaigns, as seen in the separate ruling against Naftali Bennett.

How outlets are covering it

The Jerusalem Post emphasizes the conflict between Shas's campaign messaging and its policy stance on draft evasion, highlighting the Yashar party's accusation that Shas cannot use IDF soldiers as a backdrop while promoting draft evasion. Israel National News focuses on the legal precedent set by the Central Elections Committee in ruling against Bennett, noting that the use of IDF assets in election propaganda is strictly regulated. Both outlets agree that the Central Elections Committee is actively enforcing the Elections Law to prevent the misuse of military imagery, but they differ in focus: JPost centers on the ideological clash between Shas and the opposition, while INN highlights the procedural aspects of the ruling against Bennett.

Why it matters

The rulings signal a stricter enforcement of election propaganda laws in Israel, particularly regarding the use of military imagery. This could impact the campaign strategies of parties relying on national security or military themes, especially as the haredi draft issue remains a central political fault line. The Central Elections Committee's actions may set a precedent for future disputes over the use of public assets in election campaigns.

What to watch

Shas is required to respond to the allegations within two days of the interim order. The Central Elections Committee may take further action if Shas fails to comply or if the Yashar party pursues additional legal measures. Bennett's party must remove the specific segments of his video, and the committee may monitor for further violations. The October 27 elections will likely see continued debate over haredi conscription and the use of military imagery in campaign materials.