Haredi MK Vows Not to Join Government Without Yeshiva Student Status Resolution
Member of Knesset Meir Porush, chairman of the Shlomei Emunim faction within the United Torah Judaism party, has declared he will not rejoin the government unless the status of yeshiva students is definitively resolved, even if it means he stands alone in the Knesset. Porush, speaking in an interview ahead of the Jewish New Year and upcoming elections, emphasized that the conscription decree for yeshiva students has been his singular focus throughout the past year.
Porush also addressed internal political disputes within the United Torah Judaism party, specifically the recent split in the submission of party lists. He attributed this to long-standing issues regarding the management of party funds and resource allocation, which he claims have been unfairly controlled by one faction for decades. He stated that a ruling by the Council of Torah Sages to establish a financial committee was ignored, leading to unauthorized expenditures and the cancellation of his signatory authority on party accounts, prompting the separate list submission.
Regarding the conscription issue, Porush placed significant blame on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for failing to advance legislation to resolve the status of yeshiva students during the previous government's tenure, particularly before the formation of the government and the approval of the state budget. He argued that Netanyahu prioritized other legislative demands from coalition partners while delaying the Haredi community's key issue. Porush also criticized Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara for what he described as a "persecution" of Torah scholars, stating she is primarily responsible for the current crisis.
Looking ahead to the elections, Porush expressed a desire to reform the internal political processes of the Agudat Yisrael party, advocating for primaries to reconnect representatives with their constituents and ensure fair representation. He stressed that his fight is not for personal status but for the equitable distribution of resources and decision-making power for the growing Haredi community, particularly the Shlomei Emunim faction, which he asserts is the central and growing Haredi force.
Porush also addressed concerns about voter turnout and the perceived disconnect between Haredi politicians and the public. He acknowledged frustration but urged voters not to despair, framing the election as a critical battle for the future of Torah study. He also clarified that while his party is not blindly committed to Netanyahu due to past disappointments regarding Torah scholars, they would not align with the left-wing parties, which he views as actively hostile to religious values. Porush concluded by outlining his vision for the next term, focusing on community independence, affordable housing, and expanding government support for Haredi institutions, aiming to shift from defense to proactive development.
