Moments before polls open: Grandson of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef drops out of the race

Just hours before the polls open for the Likud primaries, Yonatan Yosef, grandson of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef and former Jerusalem city council member, announced this morning (Monday) his withdrawal from the race in the Jerusalem district and transferred his support to attorney Yair Gabai.

Yosef announced that he is removing his candidacy from the Likud list for the Knesset and called on his supporters to vote for Gabai, who is running in the Jerusalem district. "I am transferring my support to my friend and colleague, attorney Yair Gabai," he stated, and asked his activists and acquaintances in the Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and Shephelah regions to work on his behalf.

According to him, his long-standing acquaintance with Gabai and the experience he has gained in the public arena are the basis for the decision. "I have known him for many years, including as a member of the Jerusalem city council. I am sure he is the right choice," said Yosef.

He further added that he believes Gabai will act in the Knesset "for the sake of the people, the Torah, and the land." The withdrawal and public support for Gabai come at a particularly sensitive time, hours before the vote, and may affect the balance of power in the Jerusalem district race.