The storm surrounding the deputy mayoral slot in Betar Illit has yet to subside as there is much anger due to the fact that the head of the Degel Hatorah party in the city, Dudi Zlatz, was not appointed to the position as per the agreement signed with Mayor Meir Rubinstein.

As reported by YWN-Israel, Agudas Yisrael is taking revenge against Degel in Betar since Nachman Frenkel of Agudas Yisrael was not appointed deputy mayor in Beit Shemesh. Agudas Yisrael is retaliating in Betar Illit and is not honoring the agreement to appoint Dudi Zlatz to the deputy mayor slot.

Backers of Zlatz wish to protest and express their anger over the situation, including the use of audible protests, using a public address system to speak out against Mayor Rubinstein publicly, but to date, Zlatz has prevented this from occurring.

In a publicly released letter, Zlatz writes, “The situation that the Bnei Torah faced in our city this week, when it suddenly became clear to them that it was decided to violate the agreement that was signed before them, is painful for all of us – a sense of disregard and contempt that is hard exercise restraint.

“We at Degel Hatorah, as representatives of the Torah tzibur, are fighting at all times to make it clear to all the relevant parties that it is impossible to ignore the Bnei Torah, who will receive all that is due to them – as an entitlement and not as a chessed.”

Zlatz adds that the party remains true to Gedolei Yisrael Shlita, and will in this case as in all cases, will act in accordance to their instructions. He calls on all his backers, that “despite the pain, to refrain from independent acts of protest”.

Zlatz has reportedly summoned Rubinstein to a din torah to have a beis din rule on the matter of breaking the agreement.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)