MK Gafni Demands Resolution on Haredi Kindergarten Issue Before Backing Legal Adviser Split Bill

A new crisis emerged within Israel's coalition as MK Moshe Gafni, chairman of Degel HaTorah, declared that the United Torah Judaism faction will withhold support for the bill to split the position of the Government Legal Adviser until a government decision regarding Haredi kindergarten teachers is approved. Gafni's ultimatum adds to recent tensions between Haredi parties and coalition members over budgetary and public issues related to Haredi educational institutions.

The Religious Zionist Party sharply criticized Gafni's stance, accusing him of undermining efforts to advance the bill. In an official statement, the party said, "Gali Baharav-Miara rushes to send flowers to Gafni, who grants her immunity, protects her judicial dictatorship, and enables her to continue persecuting the right-wing bloc for many more years." They further warned that if Gafni and his colleagues block the legislation, which they claim aims to end the "tyranny of the Government Legal Adviser," they will find it difficult to justify their actions to the Haredi public.

The dispute highlights ongoing friction within the coalition over the influence of the Government Legal Adviser and the status of Haredi educational frameworks, with the upcoming government decision on Haredi kindergarten teachers serving as a critical bargaining chip. The outcome will likely impact the coalition's stability and the progress of judicial reforms.