Prominent Rabbi Slams Arab Christian Activist's Political Candidacy

The inclusion of Arab Christian activist Yosef Haddad as the second candidate on Ofer Vinter's "Am Israel" party list has sparked strong opposition from rabbinical figures. Rabbi Shlomo Aviner, president of the Ateret Cohanim yeshiva and a senior figure in Religious Zionism, has vehemently criticized the move, informing his students that halakha (Jewish law) prohibits granting leadership roles to non-Jews.

In a recording obtained by Ynet, Rabbi Aviner stated unequivocally during a lesson that even a "righteous gentile" cannot serve as a leader in the Land of Israel. When asked if voting for such a party is permissible, he responded negatively, emphasizing that while a gentile should be treated well, they cannot hold leadership positions over the nation unless they fit the definition of a "ger" (convert) or resident, and even then, not in leadership roles.

Haddad, a 41-year-old from Nazareth, is a Golani Brigade veteran wounded in the Second Lebanon War. He has since dedicated himself to Zionist advocacy and integrating Arabs into Israeli society. His stated ambition is to become the Minister of Public Diplomacy and the first Arab member of the Israeli cabinet.

Rabbi Aviner's stance presents a significant halakhic and public challenge to this novel political alliance, highlighting potential religious and societal divisions.