Coalition Moves Forward with Controversial Rabbi Law Amidst Heavy Criticism
The coalition government in Israel has decided to renew the promotion of the Rabbi Law, despite previous announcements of a freeze and significant opposition. The decision, announced on Sunday, comes amid substantial pressure from Shas party leader Aryeh Deri and has the support of various coalition factions, including the Prime Minister's Office.
The Rabbi Law aims to strengthen the influence of the Minister of Religious Affairs, giving them the power to appoint city rabbis, a role currently held by mayors. This legislative move has sparked backlash from opposition members. MK Ze'ev Elkin, chairman of the state right-wing faction, stated, 'Is the 'together we will win' over? Have we already won the war in Gaza and the north? Leave us alone from the laws of strife, come to the north, and help the residents!'
Member of the Constitution Committee, MK Yulia Malinovski, also expressed her concerns, saying, 'Our soldiers are fighting in the field, and what are they doing? In the job law that will take care of Shas associates? Shame on you!' Critics worry that the legislation will create more jobs for Shas affiliates, which could detract funds from critical war efforts.
Significant Opposition to Timing and Implications of Rabbi Law
The bill, if passed, would permit the appointment of over a thousand city, town, and neighborhood rabbis, with a potential increase in salaried positions by more than threefold. This would significantly enhance Minister of Religion Michael Malchiali’s control over these appointments. The legislation previously stalled due to opposition from the state camp and some Likud Knesset members, but with the retirement of Benny Gantz, the coalition aims to advance it once more.
MK Eli Dellal voiced his opposition, reflecting broader dissent within Likud: 'No law is worth it at this time - yes, not even the law of the rabbis. Our soldiers united to fight, we should follow their lead and avoid division.' Similarly, MK Tali Gottlieb announced, 'I will not support a law that promotes discrimination and division during wartime. There is a need to discuss this law seriously and avoid unnecessary confusion at this time.'
- The controversial *Rabbi Law* seeks to centralize the power of appointing rabbis under the Ministry of Religious Affairs, stripping this responsibility from local mayors. This move is perceived by many as a strategy to consolidate Shas' influence in religious appointments.
- In addition to appointing more than a thousand rabbis, the bill could result in 768 more settlement rabbis and 278 new neighborhood rabbis. Critics argue that such changes appear to serve political objectives rather than addressing immediate and pressing needs of the nation, especially during times of conflict.
