Netanyahu Presses Vinter to Quit Race, Targets Rabbi for Influence
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pressuring Ofer Vinter, chairman of the 'Am Yisrael' party, to withdraw from the elections. Netanyahu has tried to enlist Vinter's rabbi, Rabbi Bneiahu Shmueli, to influence Vinter's decision, but the rabbi has refused to intervene. Vinter has been a student of Rabbi Shmueli for years, and the rabbi reportedly advised Vinter not to run.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Netanyahu is pressuring Ofer Vinter to withdraw from the elections.
- Netanyahu sought Rabbi Bneiahu Shmueli's intervention to influence Vinter's decision.
- Rabbi Shmueli refused to speak with Netanyahu or intervene in the matter.
- Vinter has been a long-time student of Rabbi Shmueli.
- The rabbi reportedly advised Vinter not to participate in the elections.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is intensifying pressure on Ofer Vinter, chairman of the 'Am Yisrael' party, to withdraw from the upcoming elections. In recent days, Netanyahu has attempted to arrange a conversation with Rabbi Bneiahu Shmueli, Vinter's spiritual mentor, in an effort to persuade Vinter to step aside. However, Rabbi Shmueli has refused to speak with Netanyahu or intervene in the matter, according to a report by i24NEWS reporter Ari Kalman.
Vinter has a long-standing close relationship with Rabbi Shmueli, having attended his classes for many years. Netanyahu's attempts to engage with the rabbi began even before the official list submission deadline and have resurfaced recently. The report indicates that Rabbi Shmueli instructed his student not to participate in the elections on Saturday night, though Vinter's associates have informed the Prime Minister's staff that the rabbi declines to get involved.
This development comes amid broader political maneuvering, including the Likud party's surplus agreement with the Religious Zionist party, which caused anger within the Otzma Yehudit faction. Previously, the parties of Itamar Ben-Gvir and Ofer Vinter were not set to sign a surplus agreement.
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