Meir Porush Explains Split from Agudat Yisrael Over Financial Dispute

Member of Knesset Meir Porush, chairman of the Shlomi Emunim movement, has broken his silence regarding the recent split within the Agudat Yisrael party. Porush, along with the Belz Hasidic faction, formed a new separate faction called "Chomat Torat Yisrael" (Wall of Torah of Israel). Porush stated that the financial dealings within Agudat Yisrael were unacceptable and that he could no longer remain silent, especially given the outcry from their representatives on the ground.

Porush detailed a long-standing issue of financial control, which he claims has been held by one individual representing the central faction since an internal leadership change 50 years ago. This, he alleges, led to illogical resource allocation and unfair distribution of positions. He recalled a decision by the Council of Torah Sages to establish a financial committee for managing party funds, requiring approval from Shlomi Emunim representatives for any expenditure.

According to Porush, a significant sum was withdrawn for the Bnei Brak municipal elections without the agreed-upon authorization. In response, he instructed the withdrawal of a similar amount for elections in several other cities. Subsequently, the party's secretary-general and chairman, both from the central faction, reportedly canceled the signing authority of the Belz representative and himself, despite their significant combined share in the party. Porush questioned how one partner could unilaterally revoke the signing rights of another.

Porush also highlighted the issue of party branches, noting that cities with substantial Agudat Yisrael support, such as Beitar Illit, Modi'in Illit, Beit Shemesh, and Elad, lack official branches. He suggested this was a deliberate attempt to harm communities associated with Agudat Yisrael, even disregarding the directives of the Council of Torah Sages. Porush concluded that the purpose of their move is to return Agudat Yisrael to the control of the Council of Torah Sages.