Degel HaTorah Party to Seek Ministerial Posts in Next Israeli Government

The Degel HaTorah party is expected to demand ministerial positions in the upcoming Israeli government, marking a significant historical shift for the ultra-Orthodox party. For decades, its members have refrained from seeking such roles, operating under a "minority" ideology. This change in policy was reportedly directed by Rabbi Dov Landau, a leading figure in the Lithuanian ultra-Orthodox community, who instructed the party to now pursue either the Education Ministry or the Construction and Housing Ministry.

This move is anticipated to alter the balance of power within the ultra-Orthodox political sector. Until now, only the Agudat Yisrael party has held government ministries among the ultra-Orthodox factions. Senior party officials cite perceived inequality in the distribution of roles compared to other parties like Shas and are awaiting final approval from the Lithuanian ultra-Orthodox rabbinical leadership.

Sources close to the matter suggest that securing this approval and integrating into government ministries could lead to a substantial political upheaval, significantly enhancing Degel HaTorah's standing and influence.