The Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi David Lau, responded to the state ombudsman's announcement against Sephardic Chief Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef.
" I outright reject the ruling of the ombudsman. The ruling ignores the rules of ethics for judges, according to which the statement of a chief rabbi on a halakhic (Jewish law) issue is not only an authority but also an obligation. "This is the role of a chief rabbi, to express the position of halakha" Rabbi Lau said.
It was also stated, "The rabbis of Israel will continue to stand up for halakhah and will not be influenced by criticism from anyone."