Top Rabbis Divided on Ousting Knesset Members from Degel HaTorah Party

In a significant internal dispute within the Lithuanian Haredi community, Rabbi Dov Landau's household has decided to oust Knesset members Moshe Gafni and Uri Maklev from the Degel HaTorah party. However, the household of Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch, another prominent leader, has not yet reached a final decision on the matter.

Over the past weekend, intensive discussions took place between the camps of Rabbi Landau and Rabbi Hirsch. While Rabbi Hirsch's side initially had agreements regarding the potential ouster, they have since stepped back and are deliberating. Rabbi Hirsch reportedly sent an envoy to persuade Rabbi Landau to postpone the decision until after the upcoming elections, but Rabbi Landau remained firm in his stance for now.

Sources close to Rabbi Landau's household interpreted his firm decision as final and unilaterally briefed the media, despite the lack of a definitive resolution from Rabbi Hirsch and strong opposition from many members of the Council of Torah Sages. These council members have vehemently opposed the move, calling it an "insolent ouster" and an attempt to seize control of the party.

Prominent council members, including Rabbi Povarsky and Rabbi Bergman, have also expressed strong opposition, reportedly speaking with or writing to Rabbi Hirsch to convey their dissent. The article suggests that the unilateral move by Rabbi Landau's household and associated activists is an effort to consolidate their control over the Degel HaTorah party.