Prominent Rabbi Opposes Non-Jewish Candidate for Knesset Seat

Rabbi Shlomo Aviner, head of the Ateret Cohanim rabbinical institute in Jerusalem and a leading figure in Israel's Religious Zionist movement, has publicly voiced his opposition to the "Am Ich Israel" party, led by Ofir Genter. The party's second-ranked candidate is Yosef Haddad, who is not Jewish.

In a video statement reported by the Hebrew website "Walla! News," Rabbi Aviner stated his objection to the party's inclusion of a non-Jewish candidate, asserting, "Even if he is one of the righteous among the nations, he cannot be a leader in the Land of Israel."

Aviner's remarks were a direct response to a question about whether it is permissible to vote for a party that includes a non-Jewish individual in its second position. He firmly replied, "Of course not." He elaborated, "A non-Jewish friend should be treated well, but he cannot be given positions in the leadership of the nation."

When pressed further about the candidate's potential status as one of the "righteous among the nations," Aviner reiterated his stance, stating, "Even one of the righteous among the nations cannot be a leader in the Land of Israel. He can be a citizen, but he cannot be a leader."