Central Election Committee Chairman Justice Elyakim Rubinstein ruled Friday that a performance given by popular Israeli singer Sarit Hadad at the launch of the Likud-Beiteinu’s election campaign was in violation of campaign laws. Article 17 of the Israel Election Act states that political parties are barred from employing the services of artists as part of their campaign. Anyone found in breach of this article is subject to a fine of NIS 29,000 (roughly $7,800) – or six months in jail.
Rubinstein reviewed Hadad’s participation in the event following several complaints, including one by Yesh Atid, filed after Yedioth Ahronoth revealed that she was paid NIS 80,000 ($21,250) for her performance.The Likud-Beiteinu campaign initially rejected the claim, saying that “This was a closed party function meant to boost morale among party members and activists. This was not a public event and therefore is not in violation of the law.”
Full Article: Election Cmte: Likud violated election laws – Israel News, Ynetnews.