HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef Shlita met this morning, 12 Cheshvan, with leading rabbonim affiliated with yishuvim as they are working to prevent the government from razing homes and removing outposts. The rav stated the prime minister should not destroy outposts.

The rabbonim, accompanied by Minister of the Interior Eli Yishai met with the Gadol HaDor in his Har Nof study. Chadrei Chareidim reports that on Monday, the rav would not meet with them but today, he agreed.

In attendance were Rabbi Yaakov Shapira Shlita (Rosh Yeshiva Merkaz HaRav), Rabbi Yair Frank (Rav of Amona), Rabbi Itai Halevy (Rav of Migron), Rabbi Giora Brenner (Rav of Kollel Givat Assaf) and Avi Ro’eh (Head of the Binyamin Regional Council).

Rabbi Frank spoke with Kol Chai Radio, stating the rav was most receptive, and he opposes razing more homes. The government plans to remove an additional 200 homes, and this did not sit well with Rav Ovadia.

Kol Chai:

The prime minister instructed the attorney general to seek ways to try to postpone removing the homes. Is this related to the meeting in any way?

R’ Frank:

We hope the prime minister will adhere to the words of Maran. We must see who runs the show. We can only hope the government, particularly Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu will do the right thing.

Kol Chai:

Was Rav Ovadia in the loop? Did he know what is taking place?

R’ Frank:

We did not get into details. Rav Yishai and Rav Shapira had briefed the rav on the situation so he knew what we were referring to. The rav’s words were short and to the point, opposed to removing homes. We received the traditional pinch on the cheek as well.

Kol Chai:

Wasn’t Amona removed a number of years ago.

R’ Frank:

Correct, six years ago. Nine homes were torn down, then also because of the High Court of Justice. Nevertheless we never left and have since maintained a presence all the time. The court does not act on legalities, but politically motivated.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)