Seeking to maintain exclusive authority regarding matters of religion of state, Bayit Yehudi leader Naftali Bennett announced all religion and state matters must have party approval or they will be vetoed. Speaking at the weekly faction meeting, Bennett referred to private bills addressing religion and state matters. He stated if the sponsor of a private bill does not receive the approval of Deputy Minister of Religious Services Rabbi Eli Ben-Dahan; the party will use its veto power to wipe that bill out, even if the party agrees with the bill. Bennett feels that a bill cannot be pushed forward without approval of the appropriate ministry, in this case, the Ministry of Religious Services, which is controlled by Bayit Yehudi.

As part of the coalition agreements signed between the parties, Bayit Yehudi was given veto power in all matters pertaining to religion and state. Bennett is also the Minister of Religious Services but in actuality, the ministry is run by his deputy, Rabbi Ben-Dahan.

Bennett added “Last term we proved we are working on the right proportion regarding the sensitive issue of the Jewish identity of the state, such as backing prolonged daylight savings time and a revolution in religious services like last week’s ‘select your rabbi’ reform as well as ‘Help Israel’ at the Kosel. Each matter will be achieved through dialogue as in previous religion and state laws. These will be supported by Bayit Yehudi and may assist in creating a bridge to all parts of the nation and not create another reason for fragmentation and strife.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

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