Among the critics of the plea bargain agreement signed with former Chief Rabbi Yona Metzger in his bribery trial was Bayit Leumi party leader Naftali Bennet, who stated that the actions committed by Rabbi Metzger are a chilul Hashem if performed by anyone, but when a Chief Rabbi commits them, they must be met with a firm hand. He feels in this case, no plea bargain should have been offered.

Prominent chareidi journalist Benny Rabinovich responded angrily to Bennet’s criticism, labeling Bennet “a wicked insolent person”. He accuses Bennett of hypocrisy, for remaining silent with other cases that involved members of the dati leumi community, accusing him of hating chareidim.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)