Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef Slams Gadi Eisenkot Over Tank Policy

Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, the spiritual leader of the Shas party, sharply criticized Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the "Yisrael Beiteinu" party, warning against a government led by him. Yosef specifically condemned a past military regulation implemented by Eisenkot during his tenure as IDF Chief of Staff, which allowed male and female soldiers to serve together in tanks. Yosef recounted that as Chief Rabbi, he had explained the gravity of the matter to Eisenkot, but claimed Eisenkot did not respond, an act he considered disrespectful.

This strong opposition contrasts sharply with Yosef's remarks made just two months prior. In July, Yosef described Eisenkot as a good, warm Jew who loves Torah scholars, suggesting Shas might support him in the upcoming elections and that he could potentially become prime minister. Yosef had even expressed hope that the United Torah Judaism party would join in supporting Eisenkot.

Rabbi Yosef's recent shift in stance occurred after a meeting with Shas chairman Aryeh Deri, where it was decided that the party would recognize Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef as the successor to his father, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef. Yosef also made comments about the secular nature of Israel, expressing hope for repentance among the population, but doubting the likelihood of figures like Benjamin Netanyahu returning to religious observance, while leaving open the possibility for Eisenkot.

The current criticism was voiced during a conference in Ashdod, where Yosef also emphasized the importance of Torah study centers, stating, "We saved the Torah study centers. If the left ever rises, Eisenkot and his friends, woe is us."