Likud Eyes Knesset Seats After Potential Ultra-Orthodox Party Purge

Despite the apparent finality of the potential ousting of Knesset members Yitzhak Gafni and Moshe Gafni from the United Torah Judaism (UTJ) list, the final decision rests with the party's council, whose members have not yet been formally consulted. There is uncertainty whether the council will be asked for approval or if a unilateral decision will be made by the party leadership. Meanwhile, the ultra-Orthodox party Degel HaTorah, a key component of UTJ, has a preliminary list of candidates that could benefit from any vacancies.

This internal political maneuvering within UTJ, a bloc representing Lithuanian ultra-Orthodox Jews, could have implications for the composition of the Knesset. The potential removal of established figures like Gafni and Maklev, if it proceeds, signals a significant internal shift. The exact process and the extent of consultation with the party's decision-making bodies remain unclear, adding a layer of suspense to the unfolding situation.