Rabbi Shlomo Aviner and Rabbi Tzvi Tau, leading rabbinical authorities in the dati leumi camp have expressed opposition to a national referendum on any agreement reached between Israel and the PA (Palestinian Authority) that involved ceding lands to the PA. While Bayit Yehudi leader Naftali Bennett boasted the passage of the national referendum bill, explaining this is why his party must remain in the coalition, the rabbonim explain that one does not ask the tzibur’s opinion on matters of halacha.

According to a Yisrael Hayom report, Rav Tau, who is Rosh Yeshivat Har HaMor is adamantly opposed to the bill for this is not a matter that should or may be left to the people to decide. He explains one cannot permit people to vote on something that negates halacha.

Rav Aviner, who is Rosh Yeshivat Ateret Kohanim, is quoted saying this is not what “the nation’s spiritual architect HaRav Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook ZT”L has in mind”.

Interestingly, supporting the bill is another dati leumi rav and prominent posek in that community, Rabbi Chaim Druckman. Rosh Yeshivat Har Etzion Rabbi Yaakov Medan agrees with Rabbi Druckman, adding a plebiscite is the only way to prevent civil war.

The bill demands that any agreement reached between Israel and the PA (Palestinian Authority) that involves ceding land to the PA will be put to a plebiscite vote before it can be ratified by the government. The bill was passed in a first reading on Wednesday, 24 Menachem Av 5773, the final day of the summer session of Knesset.

Others are opposed as well, including the leader of the right-wing Yisrael Beitenu party, Avigdor Lieberman, who feels leadership demands making decisions, tough decisions, and this may not be passed to the people for approval. Zahava Gal-On of the left-wing Meretz opposition party is also opposed, for she feels a plebiscite is a recipe for guaranteed failure in the renewed political process, which is taking place in the US.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)