Degel HaTorah's Motke Blau Proposes Broad Haredi Bloc to Secure Yeshiva Students' Status

Motke Blau, a member of the Degel HaTorah party, sharply criticized the Basic Law on Torah Study during a radio interview on Thursday evening. He described the law as "declarative" and insufficient, arguing it fails to address key issues affecting the Torah study community. Blau also condemned the Attorney General, the Supreme Court, and representatives of the Religious Zionist public, accusing them of leading a campaign against yeshiva students and the Torah world. He specifically opposed economic sanctions such as the cancellation of daycare subsidies, calling these measures a "law of nerve delay" that harms the children of yeshiva students.

Blau expressed disappointment with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but noted that the alliance between the Haredi public and the right-wing bloc is based on ties to the traditional community rather than a national-ideological outlook. He also commented on Gadi Eizenkot, chairman of the Yashar party, acknowledging his traditional background and respect for Torah scholars but stating that Eizenkot's political statements do not reflect this respect.

Concluding the interview, Blau proposed forming a broad Haredi parliamentary bloc of about 18 members of Knesset. He suggested this bloc should condition its support for any future government on the passage of legislation regulating the status of yeshiva students, aiming to secure their position and rights within Israeli society.