The Minister of Religious Affairs, Matan Kahana, responded to the decision of the state ombudsman, who calls on him to reprimand Chief Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef.
"The freedom of speech and expression of rabbis and spiritual leaders, even if they hold a government office, is the core of the trust that congregations acquire for their spiritual leader."
"I have been personally hurt several times by the statements of Rabbi Yosef. I gritted my teeth and remained silent. I will do the same this time as long as the law allows me to do so, "said Minister Kahana