Prominent Rabbi Slams Politician for Placing Non-Jew Second on Party List

Rabbi Shlomo Aviner, a leading figure in Religious Zionism and president of the Ateret Cohanim yeshiva, has strongly criticized Ofer Winter, a retired brigadier general and head of the "Am Israel" party, for placing Yusef Haddad, an Arab Christian activist, second on his party's electoral list. Rabbi Aviner stated during a Torah lesson that voting for a party with a non-Jew in a senior position is unacceptable, asserting that a non-Jew cannot lead the nation.

Winter responded forcefully, defending his decision by citing his military service where he commanded and was commanded by Druze, Bedouin, and Christian soldiers and officers, some of whom were killed in action. He highlighted individuals like Imad Faris, Akram Diksa, and Galaa Ibrahim as examples of non-Jewish leaders who demonstrated bravery and leadership on the battlefield, emphasizing their worthiness to lead.

Winter addressed Haddad directly, expressing pride in his military service in the Golani Brigade, where he was injured and lost a leg during the Second Lebanon War. Haddad has since dedicated himself to Zionist advocacy and fostering Jewish-Arab partnership in Israel. Haddad has publicly stated his ambition to re-establish the Ministry of Information and serve as its minister, potentially becoming the first Arab minister in Israel's security cabinet.

The Tzohar Rabbinical Organization also weighed in, supporting Haddad's candidacy. They referenced the biblical King David appointing Itai the Gittite, a non-Jew, as a senior commander. Tzohar argued that modern Israeli law permits the election of non-Jewish Knesset members and that appointing loyal non-Jewish citizens to leadership positions reflects Israel's strength and inclusivity, rather than contradicting its Jewish identity. They stressed the importance of empowering Arab citizens who recognize Israel's Jewish identity and sovereignty, especially in contrast to those who incite against the state.