Shas spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef said Wednesday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must under no circumstance raze illegal outposts set to be demolished.
Rabbi Yosef made the statements during a meeting with settler leaders and rabbis from Migron, Amona and Givat Yosef. Interior Minister Eli Yishai also participated in the meeting.
Related stories:
During the meeting, the settlers implored Rabbi Yosef to help them prevent the demolition of their outposts. The Shas leader promised to help them in their efforts.
Rabbi Yosef with Netanyahu. 'I respect him' (Photo: Yaakov Cohen, Behadrei Haredim website)
The rabbi also asked minister Yishai to relay the following message to Netanyahu: "Although I respect him, he must under no circumstance destroy these communities."
Binyamin Council head Avo Roeh said after the meeting: "It's no secret that Rabbi Ovadia bears influence, surely on the prime minister and particularly following the Shalit deal.
"He agreed that this matter must be solved – not by razing and eviction of existing communities. I am optimistic, everyone is willing and able (to solve the matter). I am convinced the government will find a way."