Top Haredi Rabbi Orders Knesset Ouster of Veteran Lawmakers
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Veteran Israeli lawmakers Moshe Gafni and Uri Maklev of the Degel HaTorah party have been removed from the Knesset by order of Rabbi Gershon Eidelstein as part of a party refresh. Gafni has been asked to remain as chairman of the national movement outside of parliament.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Two veteran Knesset members removed by Haredi rabbi's order.
- Moshe Gafni and Uri Maklev to leave parliament.
- Decision part of Degel HaTorah party's planned refresh.
- Rabbi thanked them for service, especially for yeshiva students.
- Gafni asked to continue as national movement chairman.
In a significant move within the Haredi political sphere, Rabbi Gershon Eidelstein, a leading authority for the Lithuanian Haredi community, has ordered the removal of two veteran Knesset members from the Degel HaTorah party, Moshe Gafni and Uri Maklev. The decision, announced officially late Saturday night, comes as part of a planned "refreshment" of the party's parliamentary contingent.
Rabbi Eidelstein conveyed his decision through personal letters to both Gafni and Maklev, expressing gratitude for their years of service, particularly their "devoted and praiseworthy efforts" in advocating for the status of yeshiva students, "under the guidance of Torah leaders." Despite their removal from the Knesset, Rabbi Eidelstein requested that Gafni continue to serve as the chairman of the national movement, albeit outside of parliament.
The directive aims to bring new representatives into the Knesset. According to earlier reports, MK Yaakov Asher is expected to lead the party's list in the upcoming elections, potentially replacing Gafni at the helm. Gafni and Maklev are considered key figures within the United Torah Judaism alliance, a bloc comprising Degel HaTorah and Agudath Israel.
The decision reflects a broader trend of leadership changes within Haredi parties, often influenced by the directives of senior rabbis who hold significant sway over political appointments and party strategy.
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