Former Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef Condemns Itamar Ben-Gvir, Urges Vote Against Otzma Yehudit
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Former Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef issued a severe halachic ruling against Itamar Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit party, forbidding votes for them due to their encouragement of Temple Mount ascents. He called their actions a desecration and warned voters against becoming partners in transgression. The ruling is based on his father's teachings, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef. Meanwhile, Ben-Gvir reportedly seeks to retain his security minister role, but Netanyahu stated the position will remain with Likud.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Former Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef declared voting for Itamar Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit party forbidden.
- Yosef cited Otzma Yehudit's encouragement of Temple Mount ascents as the primary halachic violation.
- He warned that voters for Otzma Yehudit become partners in leading others to transgress severe prohibitions.
- The ruling is based on the teachings of Yosef's father, the late Rabbi Ovadia Yosef.
- Otzma Yehudit is polling around seven seats in upcoming elections.
- Ben-Gvir reportedly wants to keep his security minister post, but Netanyahu insists it stays with Likud.
Former Israeli Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef has issued a strong halachic (Jewish legal) ruling against Itamar Ben-Gvir and his Otzma Yehudit party, urging the public not to vote for them. The ruling, titled "A Holy Call - and a Grave Warning," specifically targets the party's encouragement of ascending the Temple Mount, a practice Yosef deems strictly forbidden by all major rabbinic authorities throughout history.
Yosef, who served as Israel's Chief Rabbi and Rishon LeZion from 2013 to 2024, stated that Otzma Yehudit members are "extremists" who are "provoking and sanctifying" visits to the Temple Mount, thereby causing many to transgress severe prohibitions, including the prohibition of "kidnapping" (כרת) and "nationalism" (לאומניות).
He further described the party's media appearances as a "desecration of God's name" and called for strong public protest. Politically, Yosef explicitly instructed the public to boycott Otzma Yehudit, declaring it "absolutely forbidden" to support the party or grant them power in the upcoming elections. He asserted that anyone voting for them becomes an active partner in leading others to violate the prohibition of "kidnapping."
The former Chief Rabbi based his ruling on the teachings and actions of his father, the late Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, founder of the Shas party, who vehemently opposed groups encouraging Temple Mount ascents. Yosef concluded his message with a plea for divine mercy.
Recent polls indicate Otzma Yehudit is polling around seven seats. Meanwhile, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has reportedly demanded that Prime Minister Netanyahu ensure he retains his portfolio in the next government if the right-wing bloc wins. Netanyahu, however, stated in a radio interview that while he understands Ben-Gvir's desire, the security minister position will remain with the Likud party.
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