MK (Ichud HaLeumi) Uri Ariel is thinking about entering the Jerusalem mayoral race. Ariel, a strong voice for the settlement movement, is affiliated with the dati leumi camp. He is a resident of Kfar Adumim. Prior to entering Knesset he served for many years as the head of the Yesha Council.

Speaking to Galei Yisrael Radio, Ariel explains this is not his idea and he is not lacking for what to do in Knesset, but this particular position is among the most important ones in Israel and there are some people who feel he may be the right man for the job. Simply stated, he insists interested parties are trying to push him towards thinking of the idea, but this it is not something he initiated.

Widespread disappointment with the incumbent, Mayor Nir Barkat, has all camps seeking a viable alternative, with elections about two years away. While many believed the mayor would be Meir Porush, his campaign was sabotaged by Deputy Health Minister Yaakov Litzman, who turned the frum vote away from Porush, handing Barkat the victory.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)