The head of Israel's election commission ordered Israeli media to stop broadcasting a speech by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon today, accusing him of using it for election campaigning.
Israeli radio stations quoted Judge Mishael Heshin as saying Sharon had violated election regulations during the live speech, in which he dismissed allegations of involvement in a corruption scandal and attacked opposition Labour Party leader Amram Mitzna.
"We are sorry to announce we have to stop broadcasting the speech immediately according to an order by the election commission chairman, Judge Mishael Heshin, as the prime minister's comments amount to campaigning for the election," Army Radio said.
Television broadcasts were also interrupted and Israel Radio said the decision to stop a speech by the prime minister was unprecedented. Heshin could not immediately be reached for comment.
Israel is due to vote in a general election on January 28. Under election rules, campaigning on television so close to the poll is restricted to party political broadcasts whose duration is closely monitored.