MK (Likud) Gilad Erdan has turned to the directors of Channel 1 and Channel 2, requesting they refrain from broadcasting the addresses of Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Defense Minister Ehud Barak from Rabin Square on motzei Shabbos, marking 13 years since the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin.

Erdan states that their addresses will be too political and with the general election some 60 days away, they should not be aired live. He added that if they do not comply with his request, he will entertain taking his case to the Supreme Court.

Erdan further explained the communications law prohibits Channel 2 from airing electioneering the entire year.

MK (Labor) Ophir Pines rejected Erdan’s request, calling it an attempt to limit freedom of speech. His words were echoed by Meretz MK Zahava Gal-On.

Channel 1 officials indicate that they plan to air the broadcast, which they feel is of significant public interest, adding laws regarding airing election propaganda only pertain within 60 days of the general election but Saturday night’s event does not fall in that category.

General elections for the 18th Knesset will be held on February 10, 2009.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)