ShalomNewYork.com

“The status quo agreement that Rav Elyashiv referred to was established between Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, and the religious parties, at the time of the declaration of independence in 1948. One of the key points of the agreement is that the Chief Rabbinate has authority over issuing kashrus certification, Shabbos, kevurah and marital issues (especially divorce), and the Jewish status of immigrants.” The posek hador, Harav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv shlita, has ruled that there should be no compromise regarding civil marriages in Israel. Such marriages should not be allowed even between non-Jews, he said. Rav Elyashiv explained that if civil marriages between non-Jews were to be allowed, it would send a dangerous precedent to the High Court, which might allow civil marriage between Jews, as well.”more@Matzav.com