Agudath Israel Factions Clash Over Election Betrayals and Funds

Factions within the ultra-Orthodox political party Agudath Israel held a heated meeting in Jerusalem, the first since municipal elections three years ago. Representatives from the Shlomi Emunim and Belz factions accused leaders from the Gur and Vizhnitz factions of working against Agudath Israel's candidates in the recent municipal elections, particularly in the city of Elad, where Gur and Vizhnitz supported a candidate other than Agudath Israel's preferred choice, Yisrael Prosh.

During the contentious meeting, which reportedly involved shouting, Shlomi Emunim and Belz representatives voiced strong accusations. One participant stated, "You want us to forget everything? How do you want the communities in Elad to forget? They suffer daily because of you. What has been done cannot be undone. This is damage to the Hasidic public for generations." They alleged that Gur and Vizhnitz leaders apologize before elections but betray the party immediately afterward.

The dispute also extended to the party's finances. Shlomi Emunim and Belz accused Gur of unilaterally controlling Agudath Israel's funds in a new bank account where only Gur representatives have signing authority, disregarding a ruling from the Council of Torah Sages. They declared that without an end to this alleged "theft," further dialogue would be pointless.

A senior Agudath Israel figure expressed concern, questioning the guarantee that this practice would not recur even if promises were made to stop. The meeting was convened after Gur requested Shlomi Emunim and Belz's assistance in negotiations with Degel HaTorah to prevent a negative impact on Vizhnitz's position on a joint Knesset list.