Gerrer Hasidic Faction Faces Internal Strife Ahead of Knesset List Deadline

Two days before the deadline for submitting Knesset candidate lists, a power struggle has erupted within the Gerrer Hasidic dynasty. Rabbi Yitzchak Goldknopf, a prominent figure in the faction, is reportedly seeking to sideline his chief of staff, Moti Bapchik, accusing him of accumulating excessive independent political influence. Bapchik has vehemently denied these claims, calling them "absolute nonsense."

The dispute has escalated to the point where the Grand Rabbi of Gur, the ultimate authority within the Hasidic community, is expected to rule on Bapchik's status and the distribution of political power. Bapchik, formerly a close aide to Yaakov Litzman, has long been a key behind-the-scenes player in Haredi politics, involved in negotiations with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other political leaders.

The tensions have reportedly intensified in recent months, particularly concerning the contentious draft law for Haredi men. Bapchik had publicly criticized Netanyahu in June, alleging the Prime Minister attempted to bypass him and sow division within the Gerrer community. His recent negotiations with the Jerusalem Faction, a more hardline Haredi group, also highlighted his significant role.

During those talks, the possibility of Gur splitting from the United Torah Judaism party to run independently with a stricter stance on conscription was raised. Bapchik, however, advocated for remaining with United Torah Judaism. The conflict has drawn in other political figures, including Shas party leader Aryeh Deri, who asserted that the Grand Rabbi is the sole authority in Gur and that Goldknopf is his chosen representative, with Bapchik serving as his aide.

This internal turmoil within Gur follows similar upheaval in the Degel HaTorah faction, which recently announced significant changes to its Knesset list. The ongoing power struggle within Gur could impact its political positioning and representation in the upcoming elections, with the Grand Rabbi's decision expected imminently before the Tuesday deadline.