Shas, Degel HaTorah, and Gur Factions Face Leadership Turmoil Ahead of Elections

With less than 48 hours remaining before the deadline for submitting party lists for the 26th Knesset, Israel's ultra-Orthodox parties are experiencing significant political upheaval. In Shas, the Council of Torah Sages is set to convene to finalize the party's Knesset list following the departures of senior members Moshe Arbel and Yaakov Margi. There are also growing expectations that Moshe Abutbul may not be included, signaling a broader effort to refresh the party's leadership.

The political landscape within Degel HaTorah is also in flux, with ongoing discussions about the composition of its list after the removal of its leaders, Moshe Gafni and Uri Maklev. The current understanding between Degel HaTorah and Agudat Yisrael is a "zipper" system for the first eight spots, alternating representatives from each faction, without a rotation agreement as in previous elections. A ruling from a rabbinical arbitration has placed a Belz representative in the sixth spot and a Vizhnitz representative in the eighth.

Simultaneously, a fierce power struggle is unfolding within the Gur Hasidic dynasty, a major component of Agudat Yisrael. Yitzchak Goldknopf is reportedly seeking to diminish the political influence of his chief of staff, Moti Bapchik, whom he believes has amassed excessive power. The final decision rests with the Rebbe of Gur, who is considering Goldknopf's request or potentially using the crisis to enact wider changes within the Hasidic movement's political apparatus.

Bapchik has long been a key behind-the-scenes figure in ultra-Orthodox politics, previously serving as a close aide to Yaakov Litzman and managing Gur's relations with political leaders. Recent tensions have been exacerbated by the conscription law crisis and public criticism directed at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Bapchik himself has been involved in sensitive negotiations, including a recent proposal for Gur to leave the United Torah Judaism party and form an independent list, which he reportedly rejected.

These developments are occurring as the formal process for submitting Knesset lists begins. The initial registration opens at the Knesset on Monday evening, with the final deadline for submission to the Central Elections Committee on Tuesday at 10 PM. Significant decisions are still expected from Shas regarding its list, Degel HaTorah concerning its leadership transition, and Agudat Yisrael awaiting the Rebbe of Gur's ruling on Bapchik's status, which could impact the broader political balance within the Hasidic movement.