Degel HaTorah Leaders Consider Replacing Veteran MKs Gafni and Maklev Ahead of Elections
Degel HaTorah, a prominent ultra-Orthodox political party in Israel, is facing potential upheaval as party leaders Rabbi Dov Lando and Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch contemplate significant changes to their Knesset candidate list ahead of the upcoming elections. According to a report by Aharon Rabinovitch in Haaretz, the rabbis are seriously considering replacing the party's two longest-serving members of Knesset, party chairman MK Moshe Gafni and MK Uri Maklev. This possibility has been discussed internally for several months but has gained urgency recently, with a final decision expected by the candidate list submission deadline in about a month.
One key factor driving the potential shakeup is dissatisfaction within parts of the party and its constituency regarding the ability of Gafni and Maklev to deliver substantial political achievements after decades in office. The ongoing crisis over the military draft of yeshiva students and the failure to reach a satisfactory legislative solution for the ultra-Orthodox community has further intensified calls for change.
Party insiders told Haaretz that the leadership is weighing options ranging from maintaining the current list to replacing only Gafni and Maklev or even broader reforms. The most likely scenario appears to be parting ways with the two veteran MKs. Should this occur, MK Yaakov Asher, a close associate of Rabbi Lando, is expected to emerge as the party's leading political figure. However, this shift could alter internal power dynamics, as Rabbi Hirsch's camp reportedly harbors concerns about consolidating too much influence in Asher's hands.
The party is also aware that removing Gafni and Maklev might be perceived as a vote of no confidence in their performance. Supporters recall Rabbi Lando's May statement affirming that the MKs "have faithfully fulfilled their mission," which was seen as a form of backing despite the possibility of ending their terms. Some party members believe refreshing the list would inject much-needed new energy.
Potential candidates to replace the veterans include Moshe Zelushinsky, Gafni's assistant; Dudi Zaltz, deputy mayor of Beitar Illit; and Eliezer Rauchberger, deputy mayor of Jerusalem. Menachem Shapira, deputy mayor of Bnei Brak, has also been mentioned but may prefer to continue focusing on local politics.
Meanwhile, Gafni and Maklev's circles have downplayed the rumors, describing them as routine election-season speculation and emphasizing the rabbis' past expressions of confidence. They stressed the importance of party unity and avoiding unnecessary disputes. Another insider noted that unlike other parties, Degel HaTorah's decisions are made by its leading rabbis rather than political operatives, and their rulings are accepted by all members.
