Top Haredi Rabbi Orders Knesset Ouster of Veteran Lawmakers

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.