Netanyahu Allegedly Struck Deal With Rabbi Facing Sex Crime Allegations

An Israeli Channel 13 report revealed a political agreement between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Abirgil, head of the 'Ahi' party. The deal allegedly involved Abirgil withdrawing from the Knesset elections in exchange for promises of a deputy minister position in the prime minister's office and additional budgets. This agreement was reportedly made despite Abirgil facing serious allegations of sexual crimes against women and minors. The report included a recording showing Minister of Education Yoav Kish visiting Abirgil's home and facilitating a speakerphone call with Netanyahu to confirm the understandings. Kish stated that the agreement included appointing a deputy minister, with efforts to amend the law to allow appointment of non-Knesset members, or selecting a Knesset member if legal amendments proved difficult. Netanyahu reportedly responded, "Completely acceptable." The negotiations, led by Kish on behalf of Netanyahu, lasted several weeks, culminating in a meeting on the Friday before the report's publication.

Abirgil, who leads a large religious community in Netivot, was arrested about a year and a month prior to the report, with his case transferred to the prosecution. The Likud party welcomed Abirgil's withdrawal, framing it as a move to prevent vote wastage among right-wing parties that might not pass the electoral threshold. The party also urged other right-wing parties to withdraw if they couldn't pass the threshold and called on right-wing voters to support Likud.

Avigdor Lieberman, head of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, criticized the alleged deal, calling it a reflection of the Israeli government's distorted priorities. He pointed out that while two soldiers were killed in a recent attack, Netanyahu sent the Education Minister to negotiate with Abirgil, including a promise to amend laws for a deputy minister post. Lieberman described this as embodying the "distorted prioritization of Netanyahu's government."

The revelation of the alleged deal comes in the final days of the election campaign, amidst efforts by Israeli parties to consolidate votes within their respective political blocs and prevent small parties from losing votes that could affect Knesset seat distribution.