Agudat Yisrael Faction Splits Within United Torah Judaism Party

A significant internal rift has emerged within the United Torah Judaism (UTJ) political alliance, a bloc representing Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties in the Knesset. Representatives of Agudat Yisrael are currently meeting at the Knesset to finalize an agreement with the Degel HaTorah faction. However, the Shlomi Emunim and Belz Hasidic groups, both part of Agudat Yisrael, have announced they will split and register as a separate party within the broader UTJ framework.

The new party will be technically registered under the name "Torat Chomat Yisrael." It will be headed by MK Meir Porush, chairman of Shlomi Emunim, and Elyakim Stark, a representative of the Belz Hasidim. This move reportedly surprised members of the Gur and Vizhnitz Hasidic groups, who are also part of Agudat Yisrael.

Sources close to the situation indicate that this split is a procedural maneuver designed to grant Shlomi Emunim and Belz greater political independence, particularly concerning party funding and avoiding subordination to decisions made by the Gur Hasidim. The move aims to secure more autonomy for these factions within the Haredi political landscape.

Meanwhile, representatives from Agudat Yisrael and Degel HaTorah are expected to complete the signing of their cooperation agreement, proceeding with their alliance despite the internal factional split.