The Ashkenazi chareidi parties in Beit Shemesh have yet to decide if they are going to run their own candidate in the mayoral elections, or alternatively, back the incumbent; Shas-affiliated mayor, Moshe Abutbul.

Talks have begun with the various parties and factions with Shas, including Degel Hatorah, Agudas Yisrael and Shlomei Emunim. Talks have stonewalled and there is no reported progress over recent weeks.

It is now reported the talks are on summer break and are only scheduled to resume in Elul.

Over the weekend, Degel representatives in Beit Shemesh, Shmulik Greenberg and Yisrael Silberstein visited the home of local official Moshe Muntag after restrictions surrounding his recent arrest were lifted. They discussed the future of the talks.

Degel Chairman Yisrael Silberstein is quoted telling Kikar Shabbos News that Degel is standing firm on its demands, and that the demands are extremely reasonable. He added they are operating on the premise that coalition partners will receive more than they receive today, but they are aware, the partners will also have to make some concessions.

Degel emphasizes there is always the option of running with its own candidate rather than backing Abutbul.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)