Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi of Israel Rabbi David Lau reports that the president of Tzohar Rabbonim, Rabbi Yaakov Ariel, voted for him in the recent Chief Rabbinate election. The chief rabbi made his comment during an interview with Yehuda Schlesinger of the Yisrael Hayom newspaper.

Rav Lau commented on the reported deal made between Shas and Yahadut Hatorah in the election. The rav stated “I did not need any deal”, thanking HaGaon HaRav Aaron Yehuda Leib Shteinman Shlita and Maran HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef Shlita for their brachos.

Rabbi Lau adds that two days after the election they met in the Chief Rabbinate. “He voted for me and this I can say with absolute certainty. Rabbi Ariel also agreed to be a member of the advisory board of rabbonim that I will consult with. Rabbi Tzvi Tau and his rabbonim voted for me as well.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)