MK Gafni Erupts in Finance Committee, Criticizes Shas Voters Amid Torah Study Law Debate

On Monday, a routine discussion in the Knesset Finance Committee over the daycare law escalated into a fierce political confrontation. MK Moshe Gafni of United Torah Judaism expressed deep frustration with the judicial establishment and opposition, declaring, "Our lives are worthless," in reference to ongoing disputes affecting the ultra-Orthodox community. He specifically targeted the daycare issue, emphasizing its impact on working mothers and the community's economy.

Gafni accused the State Attorney's Office of opposing the ultra-Orthodox sector on every matter, stating, "There is not a single clause where the legal advisor supports us." His remarks sparked an uproar, with MK Naor Shiri from Yesh Atid sharply responding that Gafni's comments were disconnected from the hardships faced by reservists and bereaved families.

In a surprising move during the heated debate, Gafni also criticized his coalition partners in Shas. Responding to accusations of ethnic discrimination in ultra-Orthodox education, he denied such bias in his institutions but questioned why Shas supporters do not send their children to the separate Sephardic schools they advocate for, implying hypocrisy.

MK Yaakov Asher of United Torah Judaism also condemned the legal system, accusing it of hypocrisy and demanding transparency regarding opposition to the Torah study law. This turmoil unfolds amid a severe crisis in the ultra-Orthodox daycare system, with hundreds of teachers facing layoffs and many kindergartens at risk of closure, threatening the upcoming school year.

Political leaders, including Shas chairman Aryeh Deri and Gafni, recently met with Prime Minister Netanyahu to push for swift passage of the Basic Law on Torah Study and related legislation. Gafni’s outburst appears to be a strategic move to pressure both the judicial establishment and his coalition partners as the legislative battle intensifies.