United Torah Judaism Vows No Compromise on Religion and State Issues
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
A senior figure in the Degel HaTorah party declared that any political partnership with the "Change Bloc" requires strict adherence to the status quo on religion and state, citing Rabbi Dov Lando's directives against compromise on issues like Shabbat, kashrut, and conversion. The party insists on maintaining existing laws, regardless of potential agreements on the draft law for yeshiva students. While reports suggest preliminary deals with Yisrael Beiteinu, Degel HaTorah maintains its independence and focus on Torah scholars' status, anticipating a protracted negotiation process.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Degel HaTorah will not compromise on religion and state issues, even for draft law agreements.
- Rabbi Dov Lando's directives prohibit any concessions on Shabbat, kashrut, and conversion.
- The party insists any new government must uphold the status quo on religious matters.
- Reports indicate preliminary understandings between Yisrael Beiteinu and Haredi parties.
- Degel HaTorah identifies solely with the "bloc of Torah scholars."
- Negotiations are expected to be lengthy and complex.
A senior figure within the Degel HaTorah party has stated that any political cooperation with the "Change Bloc" will be contingent upon maintaining the status quo on all matters of religion and state, emphasizing that there is no room for compromise on issues ranging from Shabbat observance and kashrut to conversion. The party's stance is guided by the directives of "great rabbis," specifically mentioning Rabbi Dov Lando, who they say would not permit any concessions.
This firm position comes amid reports of preliminary understandings between Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman and the Haredi parties. These reports suggest potential achievements for the Haredi parties in exchange for joining the Change Bloc, such as halting the arrest of draft dodgers and forming a committee to re-examine national service. However, Degel HaTorah insists that any government formed under Rabbi Lando's guidance would need to demonstrate greater loyalty than the current Netanyahu government and would not alter existing religious laws.
United Torah Judaism, represented by MK Yaakov Asher, has reiterated that all political proposals will first be presented for spiritual deliberation by senior rabbis. The party emphasizes its sole political mission is to secure the status of yeshiva students, clarifying that it does not belong to the "Netanyahu Bloc" nor the "Change Bloc," but rather to a "bloc of Torah scholars."
Senior party officials anticipate a lengthy and complex negotiation process, particularly given the current political climate and the mandate held by Gadi Eisenkot. They express doubt about reaching practical agreements in the near future.
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