UTJ Chairman's Ambiguity on Right-Wing Bloc Fuels Internal Tensions
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
United Torah Judaism Chairman Yaakov Asher has not committed to joining the right-wing bloc after elections, identifying only with the "Torah scholars bloc." Exclusive recordings show Elyakim Stark, a Belz Hasidic representative, stating he will only work with the right and criticizing Asher's perceived overtures to the left. Stark questioned potential cooperation with the left due to harsh rhetoric against the Haredi community. The party's final alignment will likely be determined during post-election coalition talks.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- UTJ Chairman Yaakov Asher has not committed to the right-wing bloc, causing internal party tension.
- Recordings reveal Elyakim Stark of Belz Hasidim will only align with the right-wing bloc.
- Stark criticized Asher for allegedly "flirting with the left" and its harsh rhetoric.
- The party's final decision on bloc alignment is expected after the elections.
- The "day after" question is creating tension within the national camp.
The question of "the day after" elections is creating tension within the national camp, particularly concerning the United Torah Judaism (UTJ) party. New UTJ Chairman Yaakov Asher has avoided committing to the right-wing bloc, stating he sees himself solely as part of the "Torah scholars bloc" and not pledging his support to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the elections.
However, exclusive recordings reveal a different stance from Elyakim Stark, a representative of the Belz Hasidic community on the UTJ list. In a private conversation, Stark declared his intention to align only with the right-wing, sharply criticizing Asher for allegedly "flirting with the left."
Stark expressed bewilderment at the idea of cooperating with the left, citing harsh rhetoric from figures like Yair Golan, and contrasted this with the right, mentioning Avigdor Lieberman. He questioned Asher's potential role in a government that might include such figures, referencing Lieberman's past statements about sending people to the "mariyot" (a derogatory term for a type of vehicle, possibly implying menial labor or exile).
Stark questioned how cooperation with the left could even be considered, given their perceived harsh statements against the Haredi public and Torah scholars. The final decision on whether the entire UTJ party will align with the right-wing bloc is expected to be revealed only after the elections, during formal coalition negotiations.
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