The IDF is weighing whether to allow Rabbi Yigal Levinstein to continue speaking on military bases due to statements he made concerning the LGBT community.
In the meantime, the IDF has cancelled the planned speaking engagement of a high-ranking military official at the pre-military academy in Eli, where Rabbi Levinstein teaches. In addition, a planned speech of the Rabbi in front of IDF soldiers has been cancelled.
Yesterday, the Ministry of Defense condemned the remarks of the Rabbi, and ordered an investigation into the incident.
Prime Minister Netanyahu also commented on the statements of the Rabbi: "The LGBT community are citizens, people. I don't accept distinctions between people [...] I believe this and I act accordingly."
On the other hand, the Head of the Beit El Yeshiva, Rabbi Zalman Melamed, expressed support for Rabbi Levinstein. "He who uproots one letter of the Torah uproots the entire Torah, and the Rabbis of Israel are men of kindness who love each and every member of Israel. Again, all the power to Rabbi Levinstein," Rabbi Levinstein said.