Yossi Deutsch of the Shlomei Emunim faction on Thursday morning announced he would step down as deputy mayor and permit former Betar Illit Mayor Yitzchak Pindrus serve as a salaried city council employee for half of the term.

Agudah has maintained the deputy mayoral slot belongs to them, as does Degel, and the matter was taken to arbitration. An interim decision announced stated the slot does belong to Agudah based on an old agreement. Nevertheless, Deutsch decided to bow out for half the term, as a “good will measure” and the written agreement will state the move has a footing in the law as if the decision was made by the arbitrators.

The arbitrators stated the deputy mayoral post should be subject to rotation, going first to Agudah, but added it is fitting and logical that Pindrus fills the slot under a rotation as well, spelling out conditions regarding which faction receives posts and prestige in the city council.

Deutsch explained that there was a small but nevertheless a chance that his receiving the position would impact Pindrus’ salary and therefore, he felt that in accordance with halacha, he was compelled to step down. He added “we are friends and colleagues” and I hope his (Pindrus’) faction appreciates the move and that there will be a working relationship. I hope this will be the basis for a good working relationship.

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat on Thursday evening is expected to accept the decision and officially install Pindrus as a deputy mayor.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)