The Lod District Court on Thursday, 11 Kislev 5774 extended the remand of prominent Netivot rav, rosh yeshiva, mekubal Rabbi YA again, for a second time. The rav is alleged to have hired crime family boss Shalom Domrani to persuade Rabbi Yaakov Effergan into supporting his choice in the mayoral race. Police told the court that the investigation is moving ahead and they are certain Rabbi YA ordered a hit against The Rentgan.

On Wednesday, 10 Kislev the Rishon L’Tzion Magistrate Court released the rabbi to house arrest but police decided to ask to delay his release pending an appeal to a district court.

The district court sided with police and Rabbi YA will remain in custody for another week. He was first arrested on motzei Shabbos the eve of 7 Kislev. The district court agreed with police, fearing his release would permit the rabbi to interfere with the ongoing investigation.

Several dozen Netivot residents held a spontaneous protest after hearing the rabbi was remanded again. They blocked an area road and burned tires.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)