Rabbi Avraham Zarviv Declines Senior Role in Religious Zionism Party Citing Desire to Remain Apolitical

Rabbi Avraham Zarviv has declined an offer to join the Religious Zionism party's Knesset list in the second slot, as well as a potential ministerial position. The proposal was made by Religious Zionism chairman and minister Bezalel Smotrich about a month ago, aiming to broaden the party's appeal beyond its core settler base to voters in central Israel and the periphery. Despite the attractive offer, Zarviv chose to reject it, according to his close associates, because he prefers to remain a unifying figure for the entire Jewish people rather than align with a specific political faction.

Zarviv currently serves as a dayan (rabbinical judge) in the regional rabbinical courts of Tel Aviv and Ariel and continues his public and religious activities. He gained significant public recognition during the recent Iron Swords military operation, where he served as a D9 bulldozer operator in Gaza and southern Lebanon, combining footage of his service with Torah teachings and prayers. His contributions led to his selection as a torchbearer at Israel's latest Independence Day ceremony on Mount Herzl.

The offer to Zarviv was part of Smotrich's strategy to diversify the party's candidate list after recent primaries showed a need to attract a broader electorate. Other candidates considered for the second slot included Alon Davidi, mayor of Sderot, who remains the leading contender. Smotrich plans to finalize the list only after closing all candidate negotiations, leaving room for other possibilities such as including Ofer Winter, despite ongoing differences.

Zarviv's decision underscores his commitment to serve the public without political affiliation, emphasizing his wish to remain a figure for all of Israel rather than a partisan representative. This stance comes despite the high-profile nature of the offer and Zarviv's growing public stature.