Deri and Gafni Clash Publicly Over Political Alliances and Draft Law Ahead of Elections

As the ultra-Orthodox political scene heats up ahead of upcoming elections, a public dispute emerged between key leaders regarding the draft law, political alliances, and influence struggles. Aryeh Deri, chairman of Shas, expressed skepticism on the Patriot program about the possibility of Moshe Gafni, head of Degel HaTorah, joining the party of former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot, stating, "I don't believe Gafni will go with Eizenkot." Gafni responded that his primary consideration is not the identity of political partners but resolving the status of yeshiva students, saying, "I will go with whoever solves the issue of yeshiva students' status. That is the only consideration." This exchange comes amid intense debate within the ultra-Orthodox community about the future of the draft law and the regulation of yeshiva students' status, with Degel HaTorah emphasizing that political decisions will be based mainly on the ability to address this issue.

The confrontation extended beyond this topic. Deri also commented on Moti Babchik, a close associate of Housing Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf, regarding internal discussions about Goldknopf's political future. Deri asserted that in the Gur Hasidic dynasty, "there is one boss, the Rebbe, who decided Goldknopf will continue in his role. Babchik is his assistant, so please treat him accordingly." This was seen as a direct jab at Babchik, who is influential in Goldknopf's circle and involved in behind-the-scenes political discourse. Babchik quickly replied by shifting focus to Shas and its spiritual leader, stating, "Shas has Maran Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, and we all know his stance on the draft law and on Benjamin Netanyahu."