Degel HaTorah Party Considers Replacing Veteran Lawmakers Ahead of Elections

The Degel HaTorah party is reportedly considering significant changes to its Knesset roster ahead of upcoming elections, with discussions underway among leading rabbis regarding potential replacements for incumbent lawmakers.

Sources indicate that veteran MKs Moshe Gafni and Uri Maklev, both highly regarded within the Haredi public, may be removed or have their positions altered. This potential shake-up is attributed to disappointment over the failure to pass a conscription exemption law for yeshiva students, a key issue for the Haredi community. Additionally, a lack of response to the issue of draft dodgers facing sanctions and arrests has reportedly created a difficult environment for mobilizing voters.

The party is exploring the inclusion of younger candidates, including Menachem Shapira, deputy mayor of Bnei Brak; Yaakov Gutterman, mayor of Modi'in Illit; Lazar Rauchberger, deputy mayor of Jerusalem; and Miki Alper, chairman of Degel HaTorah's faction in Haifa. Other potential candidates are also being considered.

Moshe Gafni recently visited Rabbi Aviezar Pilz, a member of the party's Council of Torah Sages and head of the Ponevezh Yeshiva, during a tour in southern Israel. Rabbi Pilz offered words of encouragement to Gafni, praising his work for Torah scholars and the Jewish people.

Despite the reported considerations, some within the Haredi street believe Gafni's replacement is unlikely at this stage, given his historical appointment by the late Lithuanian Haredi leader Rabbi Shach. Degel HaTorah declined to comment on the report.