Speaking with Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) on Monday, Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av 5773, Bayit Yehudi party leader Naftali Bennett declined to respond to questions regarding the candidates for Rishon L’Tzion.

Bennett stated that until recently, most Israelis did not even know who the chief rabbis are and for more citizens, it does not concern them. He explained that as minister of religious services, together with his deputy they are implementing major reforms, reforms that will impact local religious councils, kashrus and marriage registration. “This is what is important” Bennett explained. It was clear that Bennett was avoiding the questions, preferring to place the controversial candidacy of Rav Eliyahu aside for the time being.

When asked to comment on hesder yeshiva students and their shortened military service, he called this “nonsense,” adding “hesder soldiers have already died in captivity.” He added the hesder students are bound to their commitment for five years, which combines Torah study and military service, aware that they are the first to be activated in a time of need, as has occurred often. “I am not ashamed that for them Torah study is a national value just as it was to settle the Negev” he added.

“I personally did not serve in a hesder framework as is the case with most of the dati leumi tzibur that wishes to enter regular service”, adding the hesder soldiers were part of the IDF in all of the nation’s wars. “I suggest that those serving in the Kirya (Defense Ministry) who have issues with hesder to return to their desks. The hesder soldiers do a marvelous job and I am proud of their service and their tradition.”

Regarding the race for the next Sephardi Chief Rabbi, Bennett backs Tzfas Chief Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu but Rav Eliyahu’s candidacy is under mounting attack by left-wing politicians and others, those who did not side with his right-wing hawkish hashkafa. The party has not announced its candidate for the Rishon L’Tzion post.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)