Netanyahu Ally's Aide Slams Ultra-Orthodox Settlement Rules

Yossi Reiner, spokesperson for Knesset Member Zvi Sukkot, fiercely criticized a "Declaration and Commitment" document issued by the Ma'ale Amos settlement in the Gush Etzion bloc. The document outlines strict lifestyle requirements for new residents, including prohibitions on using iPhones and non-essential internet access.

Reiner posted the document online, remarking, "Mea Shearim is expanding and reaching the hills." He specifically quoted the prohibition against using "the impure device called iPhone." He escalated his criticism, stating, "Get off the hills and go back to your holes in Bnei Brak, Beitar Illit, and Kiryat Sefer."

The "Declaration and Commitment" document requires prospective residents to acknowledge that Ma'ale Amos is an ultra-Orthodox settlement and commit to living an ultra-Orthodox lifestyle in all aspects, including speech, actions, behavior, dress, and the education of children. It explicitly forbids the possession and use of iPhones and the use of computers for entertainment. Internet use is also restricted, requiring explicit permission from a senior rabbinical authority and only through heavily protected networks.

The document further stipulates that residents must adhere to the settlement's rabbi in all matters concerning community life, including the synagogue, mikveh, kashrut, eruvin, and modesty. The settlement rabbi holds sole authority on halachic matters for the community, and residents are forbidden from consulting other rabbis on public issues without his consent. No other individual may act as a halachic decisor within the settlement, even for individuals, without the rabbi's approval. Reiner's strong condemnation was directed at those behind these stringent conditions, urging them to leave the area.