New Israeli army chief rabbi told to clarify contentious remarks

Israel's top court on Monday said the army's incoming chief rabbi could not be appointed until he explained homophobic and misogynistic remarks, including seemingly justifying raping gentile women in war.

Colonel Eyal Karim has until Wednesday to "clarify" his position to the High Court on issues he has raised in the past, a court spokesperson told AFP.

The court issued an interim order on Karim's appointment following an appeal by secular left-wing opposition party Meretz, in light of remarks that surfaced when the decision to make him the military's top rabbi was announced in July.

A military ceremony due to be held on Wednesday for Karim to take office was postponed following the court's decision, military sources later said.