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

Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu has issued a ruling stating that there is no religious prohibition against voting for Yosef Haddad, who is running second on the Ofer Vinter's "Amcha Israel" party list. Rabbi Eliyahu asserted that there have been Druze and Arab members in the Likud and other parties, and there is no halachic (Jewish law) impediment to voting for Vinter's party, which includes Haddad. This ruling comes approximately one month after Rabbi Shlomo Aviner stated that it is forbidden to vote for a party whose second candidate is not Jewish, explaining that a non-Jew should not hold leadership positions over the nation, even if they are considered a Righteous Gentile. Vinter, chairman of "Amcha Israel," previously defended Haddad, citing their shared military service where he commanded Druze, Bedouin, and Christian soldiers. He argued that those willing to risk their lives for the country are worthy of leading it. The religious debate has resurfaced as Haddad is again embroiled in public controversy. An old video of Haddad supporting a two-state solution and the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel was recirculated. Haddad has since stated that his views evolved after the "Guardian of the Walls" events and he now firmly opposes a Palestinian state.