Belz and Shlomei Emunim Form Alliance, Accuse Ger of Hijacking Agudat Yisrael

A new party registration has ignited a political firestorm within the Haredi political landscape, with key factions accusing each other of causing a split. However, the leaders of the Belz Hasidic dynasty and the Shlomei Emunim faction within the United Torah Judaism party present a different narrative. They assert that this move is not a "split" but a "dramatic and necessary step" to reclaim the Agudat Yisrael party from a single faction that has "appropriated it for itself" over the past two decades.

Senior figures from these "all-Hasidic" factions vehemently deny accusations of causing a schism. They claim the rift stems from nearly 20 years of "aggressive and systematic conduct" by the Ger Hasidic group, which they allege has systematically seized control of Agudat Yisrael and the Council of Torah Sages, marginalizing other communities. This alleged behavior, they contend, has led to the formation of the unified front between Belz and Shlomei Emunim.

This unified front points to several past incidents as evidence of Ger's alleged monopolistic behavior. These include actions against a joint Haredi mayoral candidate in Jerusalem 18 years ago, and in Elad two and a half years ago, where Ger allegedly supported a Shas candidate over the United Torah Judaism nominee, despite the latter having the backing of most Torah Sages. They also claim Ger has obstructed the establishment of Agudat Yisrael branches in cities with large Hasidic populations not under Ger's control, while allowing them in cities they dominate.

Further grievances cited include the alleged "cynical exploitation" of government ministries, such as the Housing Ministry, to disadvantage other Haredi communities. A major ideological flashpoint was the handling of the conscription law following the October 7th attacks, where Ger allegedly conducted negotiations with the government while excluding the designated representative of the Council of Torah Sages and agreeing to terms contrary to the Council's principles. The factions also accuse Ger of mismanaging party funds, making unilateral financial decisions, and even allegedly transferring public funds to a private account in defiance of a ruling by the Council of Torah Sages.

In response to these alleged actions, the Belz and Shlomei Emunim alliance states their goal is to "correct a historical distortion" and liberate the party from those who have allegedly taken control. They aim to restore Agudat Yisrael to its "natural place" under the leadership of the Council of Torah Sages, ensuring transparent financial management and preventing any single Hasidic group from unilaterally controlling party resources and dictating policy.