United Torah Judaism Demands Torah Scholar Status for Government Support

The chairman of the United Torah Judaism party, MK Rabbi Yaakov Asher, declared on Monday that the faction will not support or join any government unless the status of Torah scholars is regulated. Asher stated that the party's sole motivation is the directive of "the great rabbis of Israel," emphasizing that United Torah Judaism will not back or enter any government without this condition being met. He clarified that the party is not acting out of revenge or other personal interests, nor does it seek to bring down or install any particular leader.

Asher's remarks followed a report by Amit Segal suggesting that senior figures within the Gur Hasidic dynasty believe that the chairman of Agudath Yisrael, MK Rabbi Yitzchak Goldknopf, might abstain from voting on the formation of a minority government led by Gadi Eisenkot. In response to this report, Goldknopf himself affirmed that Agudath Yisrael would not support or assist in forming a government without first regulating the status of yeshiva students and enacting a conscription law that excludes sanctions and targets. This stance underscores the party's commitment to prioritizing the needs and recognition of Torah learners in the political negotiations.