Yaakov Asher Emerges as New Face of Ultra-Orthodox Judaism
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS French by baba
Yaakov Asher has become the new leader of Degel HaTorah and the UTJ electoral list, succeeding Moshe Gafni in September 2026. Asher's main political battle is for the exemption of yeshiva students from military service, a stance that has caused a rift with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. As elections approach in October 2026, Asher insists on legislative guarantees for these exemptions and is open to alliances beyond Netanyahu. He also champions economic and social policies benefiting the ultra-Orthodox community.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Yaakov Asher took over leadership of Degel HaTorah and the UTJ electoral list in September 2026.
- Asher is demanding legislative guarantees for yeshiva students' military service exemptions.
- His stance on exemptions has caused a political rift with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- Degel HaTorah MKs left the coalition in July 2025 over conscription commitments.
- Asher is open to potential alliances with Gadi Eisenkot, signaling less unconditional loyalty to Netanyahu.
- He advocates for economic and social policies supporting the ultra-Orthodox community.
Yaakov Asher, born in Ramat Gan in 1965, has risen to prominence within the ultra-Orthodox Ashkenazi community, becoming a key political figure. After his education at various yeshivas and a brief military service, Asher entered local politics in Bnei Brak, a major ultra-Orthodox center, eventually becoming its mayor in 2008. He was elected to the Knesset in 2013 as part of the United Torah Judaism (UTJ) alliance, representing the Lithuanian religious stream through his party, Degel HaTorah. During his tenure, Asher chaired the Constitution and Interior committees, advocating for his community's interests in housing, education, and religious institutions.
In September 2026, Asher succeeded Moshe Gafni as the head of Degel HaTorah and took the lead of the UTJ's electoral list, marking a generational shift. Despite this change, Asher remains guided by the directives of senior ultra-Orthodox rabbis. His primary political focus is securing exemptions from military service for yeshiva students, a stance he is reinforcing with a demand for legislation guaranteeing these exemptions. He views Torah study as a fundamental pillar of Jewish society, while critics argue these exemptions are increasingly indefensible during wartime.
This issue has created friction with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a former ally of the ultra-Orthodox parties. In July 2025, Degel HaTorah MKs left the coalition, citing unmet government commitments on conscription. As the October 2026 elections approach, Asher has adopted a firmer position, stating his party will not join any government without legislative guarantees on military service. Notably, he has also signaled a potential willingness to ally with Gadi Eisenkot, indicating that loyalty to Netanyahu is no longer absolute.
Economically and socially, Asher supports family allowances, subsidies for religious schools, and the preservation of the Jewish character of public spaces. Unlike nationalist right-wing figures, territorial and military concerns are secondary in his political discourse.
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