Veteran Lawmaker Moshe Gafni Ousted from Knesset After 38 Years

Moshe Gafni, a prominent figure in the ultra-Orthodox Degel HaTorah party and one of the longest-serving members of the Knesset, will not be included in the party's list for the upcoming election, marking the end of his 38-year tenure. His colleague, MK Uri Maklev, is also expected to be removed from the list, signaling a significant leadership shift within the party.

Sources indicate that MK Yaakov Asher is likely to be appointed as the chairman of Degel HaTorah and will lead the party's representation in the next Knesset. MK Yitzhak Pindrus is also being considered to remain on the list, with discussions ongoing about other potential candidates. Among those being considered is Moshe Rosenthal, head of the education portfolio in the Bnei Brak municipality, who is identified with Rabbi Dov Lando's faction. Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch's faction has not yet finalized its candidate, with Yehuda Weissfish, CEO of 'Ha'Ichud', emerging as a possibility.

The behind-the-scenes negotiations, which continued through Shabbat and resumed immediately after, are intensifying as the deadline for submitting party lists approaches. The discussions involve the rabbinical leaders Dov Lando and Moshe Hillel Hirsch.

Reports suggest that the decision to replace Gafni and Maklev stems partly from disappointment within the ultra-Orthodox community over the failure to pass a conscription exemption law. There is also a perception that Gafni and Maklev have struggled to achieve significant gains for their constituents. Despite this, Gafni and Maklev reportedly exerted pressure through rabbis and activists to retain their positions.

This transition is seen as part of a generational change in Degel HaTorah's leadership. Concurrently, the party is reportedly considering a shift in its political strategy, aiming to demand a ministerial portfolio in the next government, such as the Ministry of Education or Housing and Construction, a departure from its historical practice of avoiding such demands.