High-profile case10/23/2026

Ahi Withdrew From the Election After a Promise to Change the Rules for Appointing a Deputy Minister

The Ahi party, affiliated with Rabbi Haim Yosef David Abergel, withdrew from the election for the 26th Knesset four days before the vote. According to Ynet, this followed negotiations in which Likud pledged to advance legislation that would allow a person who is not a member of the Knesset to be appointed deputy minister.

Key facts

•The election for the 26th Knesset
•Ahi withdrew four days before the vote
•The party’s support is expected to be transferred to Likud
•A promise was made to advance legislation allowing a person who is not a member of the Knesset to be appointed deputy minister
•It was not reported that the legislation had been enacted or entered into force

How the Party Withdrew From the Race

According to a Ynet report, former Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar, heads of local authorities and Likud representatives tried to influence Abergel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also spoke with him. Following the negotiations, Ahi announced that it would not participate in the upcoming election and that its support would be transferred to Likud.

What Was Promised

A letter agreed upon by the parties stated that Netanyahu pledged to advance legislation that would allow a person who was not elected to the Knesset to be appointed deputy minister. This was intended to allow Abergel’s representative to receive a position without participating in the election. In addition, the parties agreed to advance a military conscription framework under which yeshiva students would receive an exemption from service, while all others would be required to enlist.

The Political Purpose of the Agreement

Education Minister Yoav Kisch said that he conducted the negotiations at Netanyahu’s request. According to him, the agreement prevented the loss of tens of thousands of votes from the right-wing bloc due to support for a slate that might not have crossed the electoral threshold. The source reports only a commitment to advance legislation and does not state that the legislation in question has already been enacted or entered into force.

The Suspicions Against Abergel

Ynet reports that Rabbi Abergel is suspected of serious sexual offenses against several women and girls. Police attributed to him indecent acts, including through the use of force or threats, obstruction of investigative proceedings, extortion by threats and sexual harassment. The material presented contains no information about the filing of an indictment, a judicial ruling or his conviction.

What this means for you

At this stage, the agreement described does not by itself change the procedures for appointing deputy ministers: enactment of the relevant legislation would be required for that. For voters, the immediate result is that Ahi is not participating in the election and its leadership is directing its support to Likud. The framework mentioned for exempting yeshiva students is also presented as a political commitment rather than a rule already in force.

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