Degel HaTorah Party to Replace Veteran Knesset Members Moshe Gafni and Uri Maklev

Degel HaTorah, the Lithuanian ultra-Orthodox faction within the United Torah Judaism party, is set for a significant renewal ahead of the upcoming legislative elections. Two of its long-standing figures, Moshe Gafni and Uri Maklev, will not be included on the party's list, as confirmed by sources close to Rabbi Dov Lando, the movement's chief spiritual authority. Rabbi Lando sent personal letters to both lawmakers, thanking them for their service, particularly their efforts in defending yeshiva students from military conscription. He cited the need to refresh the party's parliamentary representation and make way for new elected officials.

The departure is particularly notable for Moshe Gafni, 74, a veteran of Israeli politics who was first elected to the Knesset in 1988 and has served for over 35 years, including multiple terms as chairman of the powerful Finance Committee. Uri Maklev, 69, has been a Knesset member since 2008. While Gafni will step down from parliamentary duties, Rabbi Lando has asked him to remain national chairman of Degel HaTorah. Yaakov Asher is now expected to lead the parliamentary faction and will likely take the top spot on the party's election list.

This leadership change occurs amidst heightened tensions between Degel HaTorah and the current government, particularly concerning the conscription of Haredim (ultra-Orthodox men). Rabbi Lando has recently adopted a firm stance, asserting that the party is not beholden to any prime minister and must prioritize the interests of the yeshiva world. Israeli media reports suggest that Asher's rise signifies a hardening of this position against the government, contrasting with Gafni's more pragmatic approach.

The full composition of Degel HaTorah's election list has not yet been released, but the simultaneous exit of two prominent figures from Lithuanian Haredi politics marks a historic shift just weeks before the elections.