Top Rabbi Hints at Breaking Ties with Netanyahu Bloc

Rabbi Dov Landau, a leading figure in the Lithuanian ultra-Orthodox community, indicated on Wednesday that his community might distance itself from the Netanyahu bloc, stating, "We are not dependent on this prime minister or that one." These remarks were made during a large gathering in Tiberias.

Rabbi Landau expressed deep concern over the state of Torah study institutions, describing a "decree" hanging over Torah scholars and a "persecution by the authorities" that is worsening daily. He emphasized that students of Torah feel the impact of this situation constantly.

When discussing potential government support, Landau reiterated their independence from specific political leaders, asserting, "We are only dependent on God Almighty." This statement comes amid a severe rift between the ultra-Orthodox leadership and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Earlier reports indicated that Rabbi Landau had instructed representatives of the Degel HaTorah party to actively work towards dissolving the Knesset prematurely. This move followed a boiling point in the crisis surrounding the conscription law for yeshiva students. At that time, statements attributed to him suggested that the concept of a "bloc" was no longer relevant, and that the ultra-Orthodox would henceforth act solely in the best interests of Torah study and the ultra-Orthodox community.

Shortly thereafter, a clandestine meeting was revealed between Moshe Gafni, chairman of Degel HaTorah, and Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the "Yes!" party. This meeting occurred in the wake of Rabbi Landau's announcement regarding the dissolution of the right-wing bloc.