Just a day ago, the scenario was an entirely different one, one offering hope and even the likelihood that elections would finally be held for elect chief rabbis of Yerushalayim after the posts have remained vacant for well over a decade.

Sadly, this has all changed and as things appear today, the election is not going to take place any time soon. Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat is unwilling to accept the makeup of the council as it appears, and this will bring the mechanism to a halt. Realizing the mayor is unwilling to accept the position of Minister of Religious Services (Shas) Yaakov Margi, the minister is aware that the hope of an election has vanished and its back to the drawing board.

At present it appears that the committee addressing the election will not convene prior to the national election, which is set for 11 Shevat 5773, so that means the delay will be a lengthy one, for following the national election a government must be formed and approved and then the new Knesset will address more pressing issues.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)