The bill dubbed the “Amar Bill” passed its preliminary reading in Knesset on Wednesday, 27 Sivan 5773. If the bill passes into law, it will permit a reigning chief rabbi to serve a second term. The bill was drafted to permit Rishon L’Tzion HaGaon HaRav Shlomo Amar Shlita to continue serving in office. The bill passed in a 44-14 vote in Knesset after The Movement party lifted the veto on the bill. Among the opponents of the bill were MKs from the Bayit Yehudi party.

MK (Yahadut Hatorah) Moshe Gafne is among the opponents, calling on his colleagues to oppose the bill, which he calls “the bill of deal-making”. Gafne stated the situation surrounding the deal-making and back room parleying surrounding the election of new chief rabbis is unprecedented and unacceptable.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)