Israel’s High Court of Justice have issued an order temporarily preventing election for a new Chief Rabbi of Hadera. Justice Georgie Kra issued the interim order to prevent the elections until he receives a response from Minister of Religious Services David Azoulai and the city’s Election Committee within 14 days. The court will convene once again after receiving the responses requested.

Some 10 weeks ago the state prosecutor informed the High Court of a delay in the Hadera elections for a new chief rabbi. There were two petitions challenging the elections. One from attorney Eshel Dell, who objected to the candidacy of Rabbi Yisrael Meir Biton, the leading candidate. The petition by Dell resulted in halting the elections just two days before the elections were set. Dell also filed a complaint against the rav with Israel Police.

In the latest development, the High Court announced on Sunday, 2 Nissan, that nothing will occur vis-à-vis the election until at the very least, the next court hearing in abut wo weeks.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)