Rabbi Urges National Unity Government to Prevent Existential Threat

Rabbi Tamar Granot, head of the 'Orot Shaul' yeshiva and father of fallen soldier Amitai Granot, has issued a strong appeal to political leaders across the spectrum, warning of the dire consequences of ongoing political paralysis. He argues that a prolonged stalemate or repeat elections, especially during wartime, international isolation, and deep social divisions, poses an existential threat to Israel.

Rabbi Granot calls for a "national healing government," emphasizing cooperation over mere unity, to lead the country out of its current difficulties. He proposes an agenda for such a government that includes confronting Iran's nuclear program, dismantling Hamas and Hezbollah, expanding the Abraham Accords, regulating settlement and land control, agreeing on legal and constitutional matters with a supermajority, and addressing the burden of military service. Specifically, he suggests a new arrangement with the Haredi community, linking financial support and conscription to participation in military service.

To overcome the obstacle of election promises made by opposition leaders not to sit under Benjamin Netanyahu, Rabbi Granot proposes an unusual religious and public mechanism. He directly addresses leaders like Avigdor Lieberman, Naftali Bennett, and Gadi Eisenkot, suggesting the formation of a council of wise elders to release them from their vows. He believes this act of releasing vows, if done correctly, would be a significant act of leadership that the Israeli people would appreciate, asserting that saving the country from dangerous paralysis, a matter of saving a life, supersedes political promises.