Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef Endorses Gadi Eizenkot Over Netanyahu for Prime Minister

Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, the Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel, made a striking political statement during a private conversation over the weekend, expressing his preference for Gadi Eizenkot as the next Prime Minister. According to a report by Mordechai Halperin on Galei Tzahal, Rabbi Yosef said, "We might go with Eizenkot in the upcoming elections; we can support him as the next Prime Minister." He promised to make these views public ahead of the elections.

Rabbi Yosef described Eizenkot as a good man, warm Jew, and supporter of Torah scholars, noting that Eizenkot’s grandmother voted for Shas and wanted him to become a rabbi. He contrasted this with his harsh criticism of current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating bluntly, "What do you mean? Netanyahu will not repent; there is no chance he will return to religious observance." Rabbi Yosef accused Netanyahu of deceit, saying, "Netanyahu tricked us on the conscription law and other matters; he is a liar and cannot be trusted."

These remarks reflect growing frustration within the ultra-Orthodox community over Netanyahu’s handling of sensitive issues affecting them. Eizenkot, in an exclusive interview with Kikar HaShabbat, acknowledged the significant number of Shas voters serving in the military and expressed respect for the party, emphasizing the importance of accepting core principles such as the conscription law. He described Shas as a party with broad Zionist elements and a potential partner if it commits to these principles.

Rabbi Yosef’s endorsement of Eizenkot signals a notable shift in ultra-Orthodox political attitudes ahead of the elections, highlighting tensions with Netanyahu’s leadership and openness to alternative candidates who align more closely with religious values and community interests.