Last week, Av Beis Din Tiveria, HaGaon Rav Avraham Dov Auerbach Shlita and Mekubal HaGaon Rav David Kook called on the tzibur to rally around a single chareidi candidate in the upcoming municipal elections for the good of the entire chareidi tzibur in the city. However, what was believed to be achdus, was short lived, as the momentum has already collapsed.

The rabbonim called for widespread backing for the new chareidi list, but it now appears, based on reports from Tiveria, that Rav Auerbach’s followers have agreed to back Shas in return for the second-place slot on that list. Kikar Shabbos News reports that Degel Hatorah may also join the move. The tzibur of followers of Rav Kook is now left alone.

According to the report, Rabbi Auerbach and Rabbi Kook met again last week and agreed they would combine forces and run on a single joint list. According to a close associated of Rav Dov Kook, the rabbi does not favor running along at any price, as he is interested in meeting the needs of the community, the needs which are currently not being met. The associate added that if Shas meets those needs, then Rav Auerbach would back that list. If agreement is not reached, they will run separate from one another, with the rabbonim pointing out the goal is to add additional strength to the chareidi/religious bloc, which they hope will be significant in the city council.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)