Netanyahu Promises Deputy Minister Post to Rabbi Abirgel for Election Withdrawal

The ACHI party, led by Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Abirgel, has announced its withdrawal from the Knesset election race following significant pressure from the Likud party. Abirgel was arrested in August 2025 on suspicion of sexual offenses, stemming from an investigative report by N12. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly promised Abirgel the position of Deputy Minister in exchange for his party's withdrawal. To facilitate this appointment, Netanyahu also committed to changing the law, as current legislation requires Deputy Ministers to be members of the Knesset, a condition Abirgel does not meet.

The decision to withdraw came after intensive efforts involving discussions with Netanyahu, other senior Likud figures, and rabbis who urged Abirgel to step down. In a recorded conversation, Netanyahu expressed his appreciation for Abirgel's "serious and responsible step" for the "future of our people, the future of our country, and the future of Israel's heritage." He also referenced other understandings reached with Abirgel, including an agreement concerning the enlistment of the ultra-Orthodox community, stating that those who study Torah should continue to do so while others enlist.

While the specific promise of a Deputy Minister role was not explicitly mentioned in the recorded conversation, Netanyahu alluded to further understandings in a summary document between the parties. Abirgel reportedly conveyed the sensitivity of his decision to withdraw to the negotiators, expressing hope that all agreed-upon terms would be fulfilled, to which Netanyahu agreed. The article notes that Abirgel has denied the allegations against him.