Israeli Politics Roiled by Party Splits and Leadership Changes Ahead of Elections

The ultra-Orthodox party United Torah Judaism has submitted its list of candidates for the upcoming 26th Knesset elections, following internal turmoil and the formation of a new party by MK Yitzhak Goldknopf.

This move comes amidst a significant political shake-up within the party, including the controversial replacement of veteran lawmakers Moshe Gafni and Uri Makleb. Rabbi Dov Lando, a prominent Lithuanian leader, has asserted that he alone made the decision to replace the lawmakers, releasing a video statement to clarify the situation after a turbulent week.

Further complicating the political landscape, a sharp exchange of accusations has erupted between senior figures in Agudat Yisrael and Shlomi Emunim, a faction within the party, following the establishment of Goldknopf's new party. A senior Agudat Yisrael official accused the Secretary-General of Agudat Yisrael of "stealing the party's funds," while the Gur Hasidic sect claims their new party is independent and no longer subject to the movement's institutions or the Council of Torah Sages.

In related news, MK Moshe Gafni has announced his departure from the Knesset after 38 years, following a decision by Torah leaders that he would not serve in the next Knesset. However, he stated he would continue to serve as the movement's chairman. The article also touches on other religious and community events, including a ceremony honoring ZAKA volunteers, a daily Torah lesson, and preparations for the High Holidays in Lakewood, New Jersey.