Comedian Gil Kopatch to lead Green Leaf party in Knesset elections

The Green Leaf party on Wednesday named comedian Gil Kopatch as its new chairman. Kopatch will lead the faction in the upcoming general elections for the 18th Knesset, set for February 10.

The entertainer accepted the proposal of the party, which focuses as a kay issue on its platform the legalization of soft drugs.

"Gil has always been an enthusiastic supporter of ours, even if not always publicly, and he will be able to give the party the serious push that it needs," said current chairman Shlomi Sandak, whom Kopatch will be replacing.

Over the last few years, Kopatch has hosted his own television talk show and was featured regularly on a number of other programs.

He refused to detail what had prompted the shift of direction in his career.

Kopatch's commentary on Jewish related issues on his show was severely criticised by religious party members who accused him of ridiculing the Torah.

Political officials assess that Kopatch's position in the left-wing party will continue spur clashes with religious parties - only now within the Knesset building.