Gur Political Chief Faces Ouster Amid Power Struggle

A significant power struggle has erupted within the prominent Gur Hasidic dynasty, a major force in Israeli politics. Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf is pushing to strip his chief of staff, Moti Bapchik, of all political influence and responsibilities within the movement. Goldknopf alleges that Bapchik has amassed excessive power and acted too independently.

The dispute has been brought before the Grand Rabbi of Gur, who will make the final decision. Bapchik, considered a key figure in managing the movement's behind-the-scenes negotiations with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other political factions, now finds himself at the center of a leadership battle. This internal conflict comes just two days before the deadline for submitting candidate lists for the upcoming Knesset elections.

Bapchik's influence extended beyond his official role as Goldknopf's aide, making him one of the most impactful figures in Haredi politics. He previously served as a close associate of Yaakov Litzman and managed Gur's political and diplomatic ties with top party leaders and government officials. In recent months, Bapchik publicly criticized Netanyahu regarding the Haredi sector and claimed Netanyahu attempted to sow internal discord within Gur.

Bapchik's independent actions also drew attention from other political leaders. Aryeh Deri, chairman of the Shas party, emphasized that the Grand Rabbi is the sole authority in Gur and that Bapchik should be treated only as an aide. Bapchik responded to Deri with a public jab, referencing Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef's stances on the conscription law and relations with Netanyahu.

This internal turmoil within Gur follows a similar upheaval in the Lithuanian Degel HaTorah faction, a partner in the United Torah Judaism alliance. Rabbi Dov Landau, the Lithuanian leader, unexpectedly removed senior figures Moshe Gafni and Uri Maklev from the Knesset candidate list, citing a need for renewal. The timing of these internal disputes is critical as the deadline for finalizing election lists approaches, and the Grand Rabbi's decision will shape Gur's political representation.