Minister of Senior Citizens Affairs (Bayit Yehudi) Uri Orbach has come out against the candidacy of Moshe Leon in the Jerusalem mayoral race. At present, Leon enjoys support from Shas, Likud and the Yisrael Beitenu parties.

Speaking to the public via his Facebook page, Orbach explains that he does not believe that Leon’s campaign will take off, predicting he will not reach the finish line.

He adds that the popular candidate among the non-frum and the dati leumi camp is the incumbent, Nir Barkat, whom he supports, adding that Barkat is the candidate of preference because he enjoys widespread support and does not elicit hostility from the chareidi camp.

He adds “Barkat is a good mayor, effective, one who advanced the city’s interests to the benefit of its residents and visitors. I believe that most of the religious Zionists and other residents will elect him for another term in office.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)