Rabbi Tzvi Tau Urges Noam Party to Run Independently, Clashing with Netanyahu Deal

Rabbi Tzvi Tau, the spiritual leader of the Noam party and mentor to its chairman Avi Maoz, has called on Maoz to continue the party's independent run in the upcoming elections. In a letter to Maoz, Rabbi Tau emphasized the importance of Noam maintaining its political independence and not withdrawing from the race, even if it poses an electoral risk.

However, behind the scenes, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Avi Maoz have reached a different understanding. This agreement stipulates that if Noam fails to cross the electoral threshold and risks losing votes for the right-wing bloc, it will not run independently until election day. Netanyahu has committed to facilitating political alliances to prevent such a vote loss.

Previously, a potential merger with the United Torah Judaism party was considered, but this option is currently off the table. This creates a tension between Rabbi Tau's directive for an independent run and the political understandings with Netanyahu, which suggest Noam should withdraw if it cannot pass the electoral threshold.

The Noam party responded by stating they are unaware of any such letter from Rabbi Tau. They affirmed that Avi Maoz intends to run until the end, acting according to Rabbi Tau's instructions, and denied any understanding with the Prime Minister.