Rabbi Dov Lando Claims Sole Authority Over Knesset List Changes

Rabbi Dov Lando, a prominent Torah scholar and leader of the Degel HaTorah faction, has emphatically stated that he alone made the decision to replace Knesset members Moshe Gafni and Uri Maklev. He vehemently denied reports attributing the move to other individuals, calling such claims "complete lies" and justifying his strong response due to the falsehoods. The decision to remove Gafni and Maklev from the list for the 26th Knesset was initiated by Rabbi Lando.

Following Rabbi Lando's initial decision, it was presented for approval to Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch, another leading Torah scholar, and subsequently received the endorsement of the Council of Torah Sages of Degel HaTorah. This approval is crucial not only for spiritual guidance but also for the official and legal completion of the list changes within the party's framework.

Despite the clear decision-making process, disagreements arose among activists during the implementation phase, and some errors were reportedly made. Various parties apparently attempted to influence the outcome, contributing to a misleading public perception regarding the decision's origin and the stance of the senior rabbis.

Rabbi Lando personally conveyed his gratitude to Gafni and Maklev for their years of service, particularly their advocacy for yeshiva students. He also requested that Gafni continue as the national chairman of Degel HaTorah, clarifying that the list changes were intended to refresh parliamentary representation rather than end Gafni's public or political career.

The new Degel HaTorah list includes returning Knesset members Yaakov Asher and Yitzhak Pindrus, alongside newcomers Moshe Rosenthal, Yehuda Weissfish, and David Zaltz. Asher is slated to head the joint United Torah Judaism list, with Pindrus, Rosenthal, Weissfish, and Zaltz positioned further down the slate. This transition represents the most significant generational shift within Degel HaTorah in years, balancing the departure of veteran representatives with the gradual transfer of responsibility to a new cohort.