Degel HaTorah Moves Further From Agudat Yisrael Ahead of Elections

Tensions continue to rise between Degel HaTorah and Agudat Yisrael, the two parties comprising the United Torah Judaism alliance. Degel HaTorah is holding another internal meeting on Sunday without Agudat Yisrael representatives, following a separate party meeting last week. This reflects a shift in relations, with Degel HaTorah reconsidering the nature of its partnership with Agudat Yisrael beyond electoral convenience.

Senior Degel HaTorah officials privately acknowledge that if the two parties run together in the upcoming elections, it will be primarily for electoral reasons, to avoid losing votes and maintain the Haredi community's political strength, rather than from a genuine political partnership as in the past. At last week's Degel HaTorah meeting, party chairman MK Moshe Gafni said, "We do not want to risk losing votes or mandates. Only out of responsibility will we consider a technical alliance if it is the only way to preserve Haredi power." Faction chairman MK Uri Maklev added, "Today this is not a natural partnership. Even if we run together, it will be out of necessity, not desire."

The strain between the parties worsened during the last Knesset term, particularly over disagreements on the conscription law and political conduct toward the government and coalition. Degel HaTorah claims the gaps are not only ideological but also concern political management styles. They say, "The differences always existed, but this term Agudat Yisrael's separate conduct harmed the ability to present a unified stance." Gafni and Maklev had to deal with the consequences of internal disputes within the Haredi bloc.

Practically, no formal negotiations have started yet on seat allocation for the upcoming elections. Degel HaTorah does not intend to initiate talks, fearing it would signal weakness. Sources close to Gafni do not rule out demanding a new seat distribution ratio of 60:40 in favor of Degel HaTorah. The party also considered separate agreements with one of Agudat Yisrael's factions, but such efforts have not progressed so far.