Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu greeted the victors of this week’s closely-fought Chief Rabbinate electoral ballot Wednesday, as he called on successful Sephardi candidate Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef and his Ashkenazi counterpart David Lau “to act to increase unity and love among the Jewish People”. Both candidates were elected to a standard ten-year mandate.
Israeli Minister for Intelligence and Strategic Affairs Yuval Steinitz met with British Foreign Secretary William Hague in London Wednesday, as he received the Jewish State’s close ally’s assurance of its commitment to Israel’s security and ongoing mutual cooperation.
Walla! news agency reports that the move is retaliation for EU directives against funding projects involving Israeli entities in the settlements; Decision to impact civilian projects in Palestinian areas.