The Central Elections Committee has appointed Dean Livne as acting director-general following the resignation of longtime chief Orly Adas, who will step down in July after 15 years in the role. Committee chairman and Deputy Supreme Court President Noam Sohlberg said the decision was made to ensure continuity ahead of a national election that must be held by the end of October 2026.

Sohlberg cited Livne’s extensive experience and familiarity with election law, noting that there was no time to convene a search committee and that another internal candidate declined the position. A permanent replacement will be selected after the election. The committee oversees parliamentary elections, counts votes, and has the authority to disqualify parties.

Livne’s appointment drew criticism from members of the ruling Likud party, who pointed to past remarks in which he warned of potential threats to election integrity. They argued that his comments reflected political bias. Opposition figures, however, welcomed the move, describing Livne as an experienced and principled professional suited to guide the electoral process during a critical period.

Adas’s resignation came amid tensions between the committee and Likud, including disputes over appointments and allegations from party officials. Reports indicated that she faced mounting political attacks, raising concerns about public confidence in the electoral system.