Rabbi Avraham Zarviv Declines Smotrich's Offer for Reserved Spot on Electoral List

Rabbi and religious court judge Avraham Zarviv, the D9 bulldozer operator who lit a ceremonial Independence Day torch, turned down Finance Minister Smotrich's offer to receive a reserved spot on his party's electoral list. Sources close to Zarviv say a ministerial position was also discussed but declined. The rabbi cited his desire to remain "connected to the entire people of Israel rather than to something partisan" as a reason for refusing the offer.