Rav Eliezer Kashtiel endorses Noam party in rare statement

Rav Eliezer Kashtiel, one of the senior and most influential educators in the religious-Zionist world and a rav in the Shomron community of Eli, has issued a rare public endorsement of a political party. The rav, known for keeping his distance from party politics, released a statement Tuesday morning calling on voters to support the Noam party in the 2026 elections, and asked explicitly that his words be published in full.

"Shalom and blessings. In truth this letter is unnecessary, because my opinion has no value," Rav Kashtiel wrote. "I refrain for various reasons from expressing public support for any party. I am certainly not worthy to express an opinion on matters that gedolei hador are occupied with, and why should I insert my head between great mountains."

He continued: "Certainly the Noam movement acts for the sake of Heaven under the guidance of gedolei hador, and who are we to question our rabbis. This is of course without detracting at all from the great merits of other parties that act according to the guidance of gedolei doreinu for the sake of Heaven. Each person will vote according to his path, and Hashem, Who examines hearts, will guide us on the path of truth to bring blessing to Klal Yisrael."

The statement surprised many in the religious-Zionist community, given Rav Kashtiel's longstanding practice of refraining from political endorsements. The Noam party, which runs on a platform centered on traditional Jewish values and opposition to progressive social policies, has sought to position itself as the voice of Torah-observant voters within the national-religious camp.