Degel HaTorah Leader Gafni Declines Support for Netanyahu; Bennett Insists They Are United

Moshe Gafni, chairman of the Degel HaTorah faction, clarified during a camp at the Or Israel yeshiva that his party does not currently support Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Gafni stated, "In previous terms, if you asked me if we would go with Netanyahu, I would say yes, but today I do not say that." When asked if there was a partner on the other side, Gafni sharply responded, "After not trusting Netanyahu, I suggest not trusting others either." This marks a shift from the faction's past consistent support for Netanyahu amid ongoing political tensions and coalition crises.

Former Prime Minister and Yamina party leader Naftali Bennett quickly responded to Gafni's remarks, emphasizing unity among the ultra-Orthodox leaders. Bennett wrote, "Do not be confused - Gafni, Bibi, and Aryeh Deri are united." He criticized the ultra-Orthodox parties, stating that those who genuinely want to recruit ultra-Orthodox soldiers and support IDF fighters must exclude Deri and Gafni from the government. Bennett outlined his plan that in his government, those who do not enlist will not receive state funds, which will instead be allocated to soldiers and reservists, asserting, "Not Zionist - not on my account."

Bennett had previously ruled out any cooperation with ultra-Orthodox factions after the elections, declaring, "The door is locked to those who support draft evasion, unequivocally." The exchange highlights the deep divisions within Israeli politics regarding coalition formation and the role of ultra-Orthodox parties in government.