UTJ’s Eichler to run unopposed for a seat on panel that picks rabbinical judges

Ariela Karmel is a political correspondent at The Times of Israel. She previously reported for Calcalist and Haaretz. She holds an MA in Middle Eastern and African History from Tel Aviv University and a BA in Political Science from the University of British Columbia.

United Torah Judaism MK Yisrael Eichler chairs a Knesset Labor and Welfare Committee meeting in Jerusalem, on June 30, 2025. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
United Torah Judaism MK Yisrael Eichler chairs a Knesset Labor and Welfare Committee meeting in Jerusalem, on June 30, 2025. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

United Torah Judaism MK Yisrael Eichler will run unopposed in today’s Knesset vote for a seat on the Rabbinical Judicial Appointments Committee after MK Moshe Gafni and MK Yinon Azoulay withdrew their candidacies.

Gafni, who leads UTJ’s Degel Hatorah faction, stepped down yesterday and called on Knesset members to support Eichler, who is from the ultra-Orthodox party’s Agudat Yisrael faction.

The Rabbinical Judicial Appointments Committee selects and appoints rabbinical court judges to serve in the religious court system, which handles matters like marriage, divorce, and conversion.

The committee is made up of rabbis, two Knesset members, serving rabbinical judges, lawyers, and members of the Bar Association.

UTJ formally left the coalition last week following the government’s failure to pass a draft exemption bill. Azoulay’s Shas party also left the government but remains in the coalition.

Most Popular
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.