The Knesset on Wednesday, 12 Adar I 5774 passed a bill in its preliminary reading calling to remove the IDF Chief Rabbi and his assistant from the electorate body that votes for the Chief Rabbi of Israel.

The bill is sponsored by MK Elazar Stern, who explains that a public servant who is not elected by the public should not be part of the process to elect the nation’s chief rabbi. He adds that it is not proper for IDF officers to be a part of this process which undoubtedly has political overtones.

He admits he would have preferred to not have to sponsor such a bill, but adds the election of the chief rabbis is plagued with political maneuvering and pressure, and therefore, IDF officers may not be involved in such a process.

In response, Deputy Minister of Religious Services Rabbi Eli Ben-Dahan stated “I am sure the IDF Chief Rabbi and his assistant are not involved in politics and there is no reason to throw trash at them and make accusations.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)