Degel HaTorah Rabbis Remove MKs Gafni and Maklev From Knesset

Degel HaTorah, a prominent Haredi political party, has decided to remove two of its veteran Members of Knesset, Moshe Gafni and Uri Maklev, from the upcoming Knesset list. The decision was made by the party's rabbis ahead of the deadline for submitting election slates to the Central Elections Committee. Yaakov Asher is expected to lead Degel HaTorah in the elections and may take over Gafni's role as Chair of the Knesset Finance Committee or serve as Minister of Housing if the party joins the next coalition.

The removal of Gafni and Maklev stems from criticism within rabbinical circles and the broader Haredi public that they "did not deliver the goods." Specifically, they are blamed for failing to legislate a "draft evasion law" for yeshiva students, while simultaneously facing economic sanctions and arrests impacting yeshiva scholars. Rabbi Efraim Dov Landau, a leading Lithuanian Haredi figure and head of the Slabodka Yeshiva, reportedly supported the change. However, Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch, another prominent Lithuanian Haredi leader, is said to have opposed the decision.

A statement released by Rabbi Landau's office confirmed the decision, stating that he had personally thanked Gafni and Maklev for their service and adherence to the "great rabbis," particularly in their efforts to protect yeshiva students. The statement cited a need for "refreshment" among the Knesset members, necessitating the introduction of new representatives.

Gafni, 74, has had a long parliamentary career, first elected in 1988 and serving continuously since 1999. He has held significant positions, including Chair of the Finance Committee for four terms under Benjamin Netanyahu's governments, Deputy Minister of Religious Services, and Chair of the Science Committee. As Finance Committee Chair, Gafni wielded considerable influence, facilitating government legislation and budgets while also directing funds to Haredi institutions. He recently protested the non-transfer of approximately 600 million shekels to Haredi seminary teachers, intended to equalize their conditions with general education teachers.