Emanuel Shilo, the editor of the B’Sheva weekly newspaper of the dati leumi community, told Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) host Razi Barkai that Rabbi Eliezer Melamed’s column is the paper’s most popular, and it continues to grow. Calling the newspaper the “Yediot Achronot of the dati leumi community,” Shilo explained the rabbi’s message currently reaches 300,000 readers.

Shilo stated the government is looking for a “scapegoat”, explaining Rabbi Melamed’s column is probably the reason why he was selected, because he simply does not tow the party line.

Shilo added that as the editor of the rabbi’s weekly column, he is familiar with his message and philosophy, stating there can be no doubt that if there is a question between directives and Torah Law; the rabbi will always opt to follow the Torah’s position as he views it, admitting not everyone is in agreement with his interpretation of halacha, as is the case with other rabbonim.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)