Israel’s military names new chief rabbi to replace one who stirred controversy
By APWednesday, January 27, 2010
Controversial chief military rabbi ends term
JERUSALEM — The Israeli chief military rabbi who had been accused of stoking ultranationalist sentiment in the ranks is ending his term.
A new chief rabbi seen as somewhat more moderate has been appointed, though he’s clearly no liberal either.
Lt. Col. Rafi Peretz is a former Jewish settler in the Gaza Strip. He told Israel Radio on Wednesday that he had opposed Israel’s withdrawal from that territory in 2005.
He’s replacing Brig. Gen. Avichai Rontzki, who came under criticism for infusing religion into the army and opposing military service for women and gays.
His four-year-term marked a radical departure from previous chief rabbis, who confined themselves to tasks such as enforcing kosher food laws on bases and officiating at soldiers’ funerals.
