Israel's High Court of Justice Enjoins Appointment of Military Chief Rabbi

Israel's High Court of Justice today issued an injunction temporarily preventing the Israel Defense Forces from appointing Col. Eyal Karim as the IDF's chief rabbi. As reported by Times of Israel, Karim has made very controversial statements in the past regarding rape of enemy women during wartime.  He also has written that women should not serve in the IDF, women should not sing at army events, and if they do religious soldiers should be permitted to leave. Apparently IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eisenkot did not know of Karim's comments when he nominated him for the military's chief rabbi.  Today's temporary injunction is in response to a petition filed with the Court by the left-wing Meretz Party.  The Court has told Karim to file an affidavit on his past and present views on wartime rape and the role of women in the military. Right-wing Knesset members are encouraging Karim to stick with his views, attacking the right of a court to police the religious views of a rabbi.