This morning, Chaim Israel, who was mulling a City Council run against Councilman David Greenfield, penned, in an unusual step, a statement on a news site denying our report.

“In my effort to squelch these rumors I would like to state unequivocally and unambiguously that I never declared or announced that I am a candidate. I am not a candidate,” Mr. Israel wrote.

We, at the YWN, stand by our report that Mr. Israel was mulling a City Council run and that he was seeking the support of the Brooklyn GOP county committee. Speaking to YWN, Joseph Hayon said he had spoken to Mr. Israel, who  told him he has decided not to pursue a council bid.

According to our sources, a known political junkie went up to Mr. Israel’s son, on Shabbos, asking him why his father is committing this suicide mission. “He’s only considering a run and speaking about it. He has not declared he’s a candidate,” his son responded. “But you know, that if he decides to run he’ll win,” he added with great confidence.

Our source adds that the Agudath Israel’s new leadership, who Mr. Israel would be relying on their support, also sent a message to Chaim Israel warning him to reconsider and that if he decides to run he’s on his own. The message was also delivered to the Greenfield camp.

Joseph Hayon, who initially was pushing Mr. Israel to run, told YWN that he’ll decide about a council run in the near future.

Audio: Mr. Hikind denies any involvement in Mr. Israel’s  City Council exploratory campaign.

PLEASE NOTE: This article and many other political articles can be read in the new YWN “It’s All Politics” Blog, authored by Jacob Kornbluh.

(Jacob Kornbluh – YWN)