Senior Rabbi Rules It Permissible to Vote for Non-Jewish Candidate

Rabbi Elyakim Levanon, the chief rabbi of the Samaria region, stated on Thursday that it is religiously permissible to vote for Yusef Haddad, a non-Jewish candidate running on the "Amcha Israel" party list. This ruling comes in response to comments made by Rabbi Shlomo Aviner, president of Ateret Cohanim Yeshiva, who had previously called for boycotting the party due to Haddad's candidacy.

Rabbi Levanon clarified his position in an interview with Kan Reshet Bet, saying, "I am not in favor of voting for small parties, but religiously, it is permitted and possible to vote for Yusef Haddad." He further elaborated that it is acceptable to support and vote for individuals from "the nations of the world" who align with Israel's positions.

Levanon also addressed Rabbi Aviner's earlier remarks regarding the appointment of women to public office, citing Rambam's prohibition. Levanon noted that women currently hold public positions in Israel, drawing a parallel to Golda Meir's leadership, and suggested that exceptions exist, similar to supporting non-Jews who back Israel's stance.

Earlier in the week, Rabbi Aviner had argued that a non-Jew should not hold leadership positions in Israel, even if they are a Righteous Gentile or have served the country. He stated that while such individuals can be private citizens, they are not fit to lead the nation. Ofer Winter, the head of the "Amcha Israel" party, responded to Aviner's comments by affirming Haddad's suitability for leadership, emphasizing his military service and injuries sustained while fighting for Israel.