Senior rabbis, including yeshivot heads and village rabbis, published a letter this afternoon (Tuesday) in support of the moves by Transportation Minister Bezalel Smotrich - to unite with the New Right list.
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The letter published by the rabbis states: "For a long time now, we have been sitting together with the Minister of Transportation, MK Bezalel Smotrich, at decision-making junctures in order to lead religious Zionism to a safe haven and so that salvation and blessing may emerge from the current crisis.".
The rabbis even reveal some of the consultations that have recently taken place in closed rooms: "We are informed about what is happening and share in the many and heavy deliberations that rest on his shoulders.".
The rabbis reject the claims that there were personal touches within the agreement: "Contrary to the claims that have been made, we testify that the personal question never led the discussions, but only the Torah of Israel, the unity of the camp, the Jewish identity of the State of Israel, the fate of our holy land, and the most appropriate practical ways to implement these sublime values.".
The rabbis support Minister Smotrich's move: "We seek to strengthen Minister of Transportation MK Bezalel Smotrich for his connection to the New Right Party and support his moves, which are all for the sake of heaven, for the sake of his name with love.".
The rabbis call on Rabbi Rafi Peretz to join the connection: "We call on Education Minister Rabbi Rafi Peretz to join the connection with all forces and thereby bring a blessing and a message of unity.".
The letter is signed by Rabbi Yehoshua Shapira, Rosh Yeshiva Hesder Ramat Gan, Rabbi Shimon Cohen, Head of Beit Moriah Institutions in Beer Sheva, Rabbi David Dudkevich, Rabbi of Yitzhar and Rosh Yeshiva Roa Yisrael, Rabbi Elyakim Levanon, Rabbi of Samaria and Rosh Yeshiva Birkat Yosef Alon Moreh, Rabbi Chaim Gantz, Rosh Yeshiva Ma'ale Eliyahu Tel Aviv, and Rabbi Yoel Manovich, Rosh Yeshiva Hesder in Hispin.
Last night, Jewish Home members reached agreements with the National Union members, but according to Smotrich, Jewish Home members refused to sign the agreement and did not submit the merger agreement that was agreed upon at the party center.
