Israeli Politicians Flock to Rabbi Yeshayahu Pinto Ahead of Elections

In the lead-up to the Israeli Knesset elections, numerous senior politicians from across the political spectrum have been seeking proximity to Rabbi Yeshayahu Pinto. Within just three days, a large number of ministers, Knesset members, and public figures attended the engagement celebrations of Rabbi Pinto's daughter. The event, held yesterday, drew prominent attendees including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who sat beside Pinto, and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana. Economic Committee Chairman MK David Bitan was also present and received blessings from the rabbi.

Other ministers at the event included Gideon Sa'ar, Ze'ev Elkin, and Amichai Eliyahu from Otzma Yehudit, who was seen close to Pinto. Topaz Look, an advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, also attended. Notably, Ronen Tzur, a communications advisor associated with the political left, was seen conversing closely with Pinto. Just last week, Pinto's son's engagement ceremony attracted many politicians as well, including Defense Minister Israel Katz, who left a security cabinet meeting to attend. Other Likud members present included Education Minister Yoav Kish, Regional Cooperation Minister David Amsalem, Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar, Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman, and Knesset Speaker Ohana.

Rabbi Pinto, head of the "Shuva LeYisrael" institutions, served a prison sentence after being convicted of bribing a police officer to obtain confidential investigation information. He openly expressed remorse during his trial, stating, "I feel like a criminal" and lamenting the damage caused to religious faith. Despite his criminal past, Pinto maintains significant influence, having been crowned head of the Jewish community's rabbinical courts in Morocco in 2019. His Facebook page shows warm interactions with former Mossad chief Dedi Barnea and political figures.

Silman shared on social media that she received Pinto's blessing for success in the primaries, emphasizing the right's embrace of tradition and rabbis in contrast to the left's distancing. Pinto also met about a year ago with Palestinian businessman Bashar Masri, who is under legal scrutiny related to Hamas tunnels in Gaza. The ongoing political interest in Pinto highlights his continued role as a spiritual and political influencer ahead of the elections.