Degel Hatorah has been negotiating, making an effort to reach agreement with Shas and the city’s mayor, Moshe Abutbul, towards backing his reelection bid in the mayoral race rather than running its own candidate. The negotiations are at the instruction of HaGaon HaRav Gershon Edelstein Shlita.

Chadrei Chareidim reports that Abutbul is unwilling to accept some of the demands, placing continued negotiations conditional to separating these talks between Degel Hatorah and the Shlomei Emunim faction. Persons close to the mayor explain the two tried conducted talks together, but the mayor is now unwilling to such a forum, insisting he will address each group independent of the other.

At present, it is reported that talks have hit a wall. A senior Degel officials is quoted anonymously by Chadrei saying they told Abutbul they will only meet with him together, not each independent of the other. It is added that the sides have not met for over a week.

The mayor however remains steadfast in his demand. Either he meets with each group alone or there are no meetings.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)