United Torah Judaism MK Criticizes Religious Zionism Parties

Yaakov Asher, chairman of the United Torah Judaism party and a Member of Knesset, has sharply criticized the Religious Zionism and Otzma Yehudit parties, led by Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir respectively. Asher warned the ultra-Orthodox public against attempts by these parties to appeal to them, stating, "Many look like etrogs, but they are not etrogs. Smotrich and Ben-Gvir tried to speak nicely, but in the end, they took care of their public, not ours. It's nice, but it's not an etrog." He accused them of prioritizing their own constituents over the broader ultra-Orthodox community.

Asher also addressed the opposition bloc against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, characterizing it as a "hateful bloc" united by its opposition to the ultra-Orthodox. He claimed that leaders within this bloc, who he described as having little respect for each other, are coordinating their efforts to oust Netanyahu. "Where is our public when it comes to his family? We need to unite and act for United Torah Judaism," Asher urged.

Furthermore, Asher commented on the generational shift within his party, specifically mentioning the departure of Moshe Gafni, who led the Degel HaTorah faction for many years. Asher lauded Gafni as a symbol of immense respect, not only within the ultra-Orthodox community but also among the general public. He suggested that Gafni's political potential was limited by his ultra-Orthodox identity, implying he could have been prime minister if not for that factor.