Highly authoritative Rabbi Haim Kanyevsky took the unusual step of blessing and strongly encouraging Yaacov Katz, the head of National Union bloc. Normally rabbis of Kanyevsky’s standing direct their flock to UTJ or Shas.
Rabbi Kanyevsky gained political prominence after the Merkaz HaRav attack by barring Jews from hiring Arabs. He is under investigation for racist incitement.
