Veteran Haredi Lawmakers Gafni and Maklev Removed From Degel HaTorah List

Rabbi Dov Landau, a leading figure in the Lithuanian Haredi community, announced Saturday night that MKs Moshe Gafni and Uri Maklev will not run on the Degel HaTorah party list in the upcoming Knesset elections. MK Yaakov Asher is expected to head the list. Gafni, 74, has served in the Knesset for a cumulative 35 years, first elected in 1988, and has been a continuous presence since 1999. He has served as Chairman of the Finance Committee almost uninterruptedly since 2009. Maklev, 69, has been a Member of Knesset for approximately 18 years, since 2008, and received awards for his parliamentary work in 2011 and 2018. The decision comes amid perceived failures in advancing an exemption from military service for Haredi men and in addressing sanctions and arrests against those who do not report to draft offices. A statement from Rabbi Landau's office cited a need for "refreshment" among Knesset members and the introduction of new representatives. The statement also noted that Gafni and Maklev were thanked for their service "in complete obedience to the great rabbis."

Moshe Gafni was asked to continue serving as chairman of the national movement. The article notes that Gafni, from Bnei Brak, is one of the longest-serving Knesset members. Maklev, also from Bnei Brak, has been in the Knesset since 2008. The decision to remove them from the list marks a significant shift for the party.