Degel HaTorah Party Weighs Replacing Veteran Knesset Members

Significant changes may be underway within the Degel HaTorah party, a key faction in Israel's ultra-Orthodox political landscape. Reports indicate that the leading rabbis of the party are considering removing veteran Knesset members Moshe Gafni and Uri Maklev from the upcoming election list, potentially replacing them with younger candidates. Decisions on this matter are expected by the end of the week.

The discussions about refreshing the party's slate have been ongoing for weeks. While potential new candidates are being considered, no final decision has been made regarding the composition of the list or the fate of the incumbent lawmakers. The possibility of parting ways with Gafni and Maklev reportedly stems from disappointment within the Haredi community following the failure to pass a bill exempting yeshiva students from military conscription. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the party's ability to mobilize voters due to recent arrests of draft dodgers and other sanctions, which could hinder their electoral performance.

Among the names being considered for inclusion are Menachem Shapira, deputy mayor of Bnei Brak; Yaakov Guterman, mayor of Modi'in Illit; Lazar Rauchenberger, deputy mayor of Jerusalem; and Miki Alper, chairman of Degel HaTorah's faction in Haifa. Other candidates are also being evaluated.

This potential shake-up follows a recent visit by Gafni to Rabbi Avraham Yeshaya Karelitz, a senior rabbinical leader, who publicly offered Gafni encouragement. However, some within the Haredi community believe that Gafni, who was appointed by the late Rabbi Shach, may be difficult to remove from the list at this time.