United Torah Judaism Submits Knesset List Amid Internal Strife

The United Torah Judaism party submitted its list of candidates for the 26th Knesset on Tuesday evening, ahead of the upcoming elections. The submission followed internal disputes within the Agudat Yisrael faction, which had seen two of its components register as a separate party to ensure fair representation. Party officials stated this was a technical move to guarantee equitable partnership within Agudat Yisrael, which they claimed had been violated.

Despite the internal drama, the party submitted its list under the name "United Torah Judaism and the Sabbath Agudat Yisrael" and requested the letter "Gimel." The list is headed by the incoming chairman of United Torah Judaism, MK Yaakov Asher. Other prominent figures on the list include Yitzhak Goldknopf, Yitzhak Pindrus, Meir Porush, Moshe Rosenthal, and Elyakim Stark, representing the Belz Hasidic community.

MK Yaakov Asher, also chairman of Degel HaTorah, addressed the election campaign, stating, "We are embarking on a new path today with the blessing of our rabbis. It is a great mission and a heavy responsibility to faithfully represent the world of Torah and the Haredi public, and to act with all our might for the preservation of the world of Torah, strengthening the status of faithful Judaism, and caring for all the needs of the Haredi public." He added, "We are going into this campaign with faith and confidence, out of unity, responsibility, and determination, and with God's help, we will succeed."

Abraham Vever, a member of the Central Elections Committee for Degel HaTorah, confirmed that 38 lists were submitted in total and that while there was some "mess" within Agudat Yisrael, matters were resolved. He expressed confidence that United Torah Judaism would secure at least seven Knesset seats. Menachem Shapira, chairman of Degel HaTorah's municipal department, emphasized that the party is the only one dedicated to preserving Israel's spiritual character and Jewish identity, and to supporting Torah scholars.