Degel HaTorah Rabbis Oust Longtime Leaders, Install Netanyahu Critic

Senior rabbis of the Degel HaTorah party, including Rabbi Landau and Rabbi Hirsch, have approved the removal of Knesset members Moshe Gafni and Uri Makleb, ending their long tenures. The decision, communicated through personal messages on Saturday evening, was reportedly justified by the need for "renewal of Knesset members." The exact process for announcing the dismissals and the identities of their replacements are still under discussion.

Jacob Asher, who is close to Rabbi Landau's circle and has recently adopted a stance critical of Prime Minister Netanyahu, is expected to remain and will likely head the Degel HaTorah faction. Asher has indicated he will not automatically support Netanyahu as he has in the past. Isaac Winderos will also reportedly remain.

This move marks a significant shift for Degel HaTorah, as it is the first time since 1988 that the party's rabbis are initiating such a dramatic change in its Knesset composition. Gafni, the longest-serving member of Knesset, was first elected in 1988 and has served continuously since 1999, holding various committee chairmanships and deputy ministerial posts. Makleb, who entered the Knesset in 2008, has also held significant roles, including Deputy Speaker and Deputy Minister.

Asher, who previously served as chairman of the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee and as mayor of Bnei Brak, is seen as a key figure in this leadership change. The party is also considering new candidates for the list, with Moshe Rosenthal, an official in the Bnei Brak municipality, being a prominent name. The future of MK Yisrael Eichler is also being discussed, while ministers Yitzhak Goldknopf and Meir Porush, along with MK Yaakov Tessler, are expected to continue their terms.