Ultra-Orthodox Political Panel Discusses Party Strife, New Factions, and Draft Law Shifts

A political panel on the Hebrew website Kikar HaShabbat, hosted by Yishai Cohen, delved into a tumultuous week in Israeli ultra-Orthodox politics. The discussion centered on a potential split within the Degel HaTorah party, fueled by calls to oust faction leaders Moshe Gafni and Uri Maklev. Senior figures within the party and members of the Council of Torah Sages expressed grave concerns that such a move could fracture Degel HaTorah, leading to further division.

The panel also examined the surprising poll results for the new 'HaTzibur HaCharedi' (The Ultra-Orthodox Public) party, led by Moti Leitner, which garnered 1.5 mandates in a recent poll. Leitner's strategy of deferring to rabbinical guidance for voters, even directing them to other parties like Shas or United Torah Judaism, raised questions about his party's growth potential and whether it represents a genuine alternative or a fleeting phenomenon.

Finally, the commentators analyzed Ofer Winter's significant policy reversal regarding the ultra-Orthodox draft law. Winter, who previously argued against a draft law, now states he will not join a government without its enactment. The panel debated whether this shift is a genuine change of heart or a political maneuver to boost his party's standing in polls, as it struggles to cross the electoral threshold.