With that caveat, I was surprised to see the following news item. Not because of what was said, but the fact that it was said at all.
The news is reporting that the Haredi representatives in the government have been polling the various leading rabbonim as to what the government should do regarding Iran and what they, the Haredi MKs and Ministers, should support or oppose.
A rundown brought by Kikar shows that MK Moshe Gafni is opposed to an attack on Iran by Israel, at least if not coordinated with the United States. Gafni says this is the opinion of Rav Dov Landau, and was also the opinion of Rav Shach. It seems the Gerrer Rebbe, the Viznitzer Rebbe also agree with this position. MK Aryeh Deri is also opposed to an attack on Iran.
While I havent seen Sefardi rabbonim quoted in this matter, other news media reported that Rav Moshe Maya when asked refused to give an opinion saying he does not understand these matters enough nor have enough information to offer guidance. In my opinion that is more impressive than the various rabbonim who are offering opinions (though maybe they have more information or understand on defense matters)..
So what is surprising about this?
The Haredi MKs used almost completely stay out of defense matters. They used to say that without them sending their kids to the army, they cant comment on these things. it is wrong, and it will also look bad that they are helping decide matters of defense and security that will mostly affect others but not them. It looks like that policy has changed.
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For the record, R' Shach died well over two decades ago.
ReplyDeleteA brilliant chess play on Israel's part.
ReplyDeleteRemember how this started: Israel beseiged Rafah and the Americans ran in screaming "No, you can't attack! You might win!"
So Israel held off and instead wiped out a very important Iranian general in Syria. This forced Iran to make a response.
So the Americans ran to Iran and said "Look, we're trying to give you billions in sanctions relief so you can build a nuke but if you attack Israel we have to defend them and destroy you. We don't want to do that. We want you to be our friends."
So the Iranians said "Okay, we'll launch an assault that, between you and the Israel, will be completely thrwarted. We can say we struck Israel! And Israel won't be harmed so you can tell them there's no reason to hit back."
And then Israel played the queen. We'll attack Iran in retaliation without or without America's help, (knowing full well that an actual war would involve America)
And America could only response "Okay, just invade Rafah."
Check.
Lets hope for a Check mate which includes getting all the captured pawns back.
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