Lithuanian Leader's Associate Denies Anti-Netanyahu Stance
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
David Shapira, an associate of Rabbi Dov Lando, stated that the Lithuanian leader is not against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and is focused on supporting Torah scholars. This comes amid political negotiations between Degel HaTorah and the "change bloc." Shas has officially recommended Netanyahu to form the government, while United Torah Judaism has set three key conditions for joining. Arab diplomats are reportedly favoring a coalition with Haredi parties over those led by Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- David Shapira stated Rabbi Dov Lando is not part of an anti-Netanyahu "cult."
- Rabbi Lando's focus is on supporting Torah scholars, not political maneuvering, Shapira said.
- Shas officially recommended Benjamin Netanyahu to form the next government.
- United Torah Judaism set three non-negotiable conditions for joining a coalition.
- Avigdor Lieberman removed anti-Netanyahu slogans from his Facebook page.
- Arab diplomats reportedly prefer Haredi parties over far-right factions in a coalition.
David Shapira, a close associate of Lithuanian public leader Rabbi Dov Lando and grandson of the late Rabbi A.I. Shteinman, stated in closed-door meetings that Rabbi Lando is not part of any anti-Benjamin Netanyahu faction. Shapira clarified that Rabbi Lando's primary concern is the welfare of Torah scholars, not political maneuvering against Netanyahu. This statement comes amid reports of political negotiations between the Degel HaTorah party and the "change bloc" seeking to form a government. Shapira is considered a highly influential figure behind the scenes of Lithuanian leadership and a central figure in decision-making for Degel HaTorah.
Shapira's clarification follows reports of overtures from the "change bloc" to Haredi parties. Notably, Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, removed a slogan critical of Netanyahu and the Haredim from his Facebook page, interpreted by some as a shift in his stance. Meanwhile, the Shas party issued a firm statement, announcing that by order of the Council of Torah Sages, they recommended Benjamin Netanyahu to form the government and are not negotiating with any other party.
United Torah Judaism Chairman MK Yaakov Asher outlined three non-negotiable conditions for joining a government: the status of yeshiva students, the autonomy of Haredi education, and the preservation of the status quo on religion and state. He emphasized that without these conditions, his party would not participate. Diplomats from Arab countries maintaining relations with Israel are closely monitoring these political developments, with some expressing a preference for a government supported by Haredi parties over one including far-right factions led by Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, viewing the Haredim as potentially more accommodating partners.
In parallel to the political negotiations, Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch, head of the Slobodka Yeshiva, is traveling to the United States for a fundraising and strengthening tour for his institutions. He met with Rabbi Dov Lando for a farewell blessing before his departure.
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