Following an agreement involving Likud/Beitenu and Bayit HaYehudi, it appears the chief rabbis of Israel will be permitted to seek a second term in office. In addition, their current term will continue until the elections, now scheduled to take place in June.
This will compel legislation in Knesset next week that will amend the current law which does not permit them to seek an additional term. This will permit the current rabbonim to seek a second ten-year term.
Some of the players who are pushing the candidates in the race are frustrated over the development for they feel is will be difficult to unseat an incumbent should the current rabbonim announce their intentions to seek a second term in office. It would appear the deal, which is included in the new coalition agreements, is intended to permit Rishon L’Tzion HaGaon HaRav Shlomo Moshe Amar Shlita to continue and in return, the coalition will support the dati leumi candidate to replace HaGaon HaRav Yonah Metzger Shlita.
Once again, there is a major element of uncertainty surrounding the exact deal as the coalition agreements have just been signed and much of the content remains a mystery other than portions leaked to the media.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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2 Responses
I find it hard to believe that the Bayit Hayehudi will cede the Rishon Letziyon position. This is especially true since they are looking for a counterbalance to Maran Horav Ovadia Yosef. But Rav Metzger’s chances of re-election are nil. I don’t think he has any support whatsoever. Rav Simcha Cook and Rav Grossman of Migdal Haemek are excellent choices who would enhance the Chief Rabinate while keeping the seat in Haredi hands. There is no guarantee that they would win. They would be strong candidates, however.
#1 It makes sense actually, Maran Ovadia Yosef holds arguably more influence than he ever did and a plurality of those involved will vote in line with his rulings.
The competition for Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi is much more heated with a LOT of wonderful candidates. Rav Simcha Kook or Rav Grossman would be perfect, as you say, but I wonder if perhaps this isn’t just BY and Likud trying to block Rav Stav?