The identity of the head of the Samaria Regional Council was determined by Torah law: A lot of Safed City, Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, who is conducting an arbitration process between the head of the Samaria Regional Council, Yossi Dagan, and the previous head of the council, Gershon Mesika, ruled this evening (Tuesday) that Dagan will continue in his position and lead the Samaria Regional Council for another term, while Mesika will not run against him and will withdraw from the race.
The decision was made after the two candidates secretly agreed that Rabbi Eliyahu would be the one to determine who would be the head of the council.
The two men's decision was made after Mesika, who is known as the state's witness in the Yisrael Beiteinu affair, suspended himself from his position as head of the council after signing the agreement as a state's witness, and his replacement was his deputy at the time, Yossi Dagan.
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Recently, Mesika decided that he wanted to return to the local political arena and asked Degan to step down for him. However, Degan did not agree, so the two agreed to seek legal action.
Rabbi Eliyahu's position was formulated in consultation with Professor Aviad HaCohen, president of the Sha'arei Mada and Mishpat Academic Center.
The arbitration ruling published by Rabbi Eliyahu stated: "In light of the great work of the two in the past, and if God wills it in the future, it is appropriate that each of them be able to continue contributing to the people of Israel in any framework.".
'"In order not to cause more controversy in Israel, and since Yossi is currently in the midst of a great surge of activity - and according to the written and handed down halacha in our hands, 'They lift up the Holy Place and do not take it down' (Rambam, Hilchots of the Temple Instruments 4:21), it would not be appropriate to reduce him from his greatness, to stop his blessed work and the special relationship he has with the Prime Minister, ministers and members of Knesset, connections in the country and around the world that bring much blessing to the people of Israel.".
'"Since for each of the parties - and no less so for the residents of Samaria as a whole - this is an issue of great importance and great significance, and in agreement with Gershon Mesika, I also consulted on this matter with Maran Rabbi David Abuhatzeira, may God have mercy on him. In my meeting with him, it became clear to me that I was privileged to be guided by his opinion that he should continue to face forward to influence various and broader circles.".
'"Therefore, within the framework of the law and subject to all its provisions, in order to avoid controversy, Yossi Dagan will continue his blessed activity and in the race for the presidency of the council in Samaria, and Gershon Mesika will withdraw from the race. May God be with him in all his ways, and may he succeed in whatever he turns to.".
Rabbi Eliyahu wrote about Mesika: "It is important for me to emphasize that everyone I met and everyone I spoke to about him spoke highly of him, whether they ultimately recommended him for the presidency of the council or not. I have never heard so much praise for one person from different people, whether for his qualities, whether for his acting talent, whether for his kindness, whether for his initiative, etc. There is no doubt that Gershon Mesika is destined for greatness.".
Gershon Mesika Mesika said in response to Rabbi Eliyahu's decision: "I greatly respect and appreciate Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, and therefore I have decided to accept his position and refrain for the time being from submitting a candidacy for the presidency of the council. I will continue to work to strengthen settlement in the Land of Israel and Samaria in particular. I see great value in serving the public and will accept with love and joy any task that is assigned to me, as I have done throughout my life.".
Yossi Dagan's headquarters said: "We are confident that Gershon Mesika will continue to contribute his many skills to the people of Israel.".
