In a joint interview with Hamodia ahead of its Finance & Economics Conference, chareidi faction leaders in Knesset; Yaakov Litzman, Aryeh Deri, and Moshe Gafne have met and the decision was made they are unwilling to compromise when it comes to the chareidi community housing crisis.

The chareidi faction leaders met ahead of the Hamodia conference to discuss their position vis-à-vis the state budget and the chareidi tzibur housing shortage. They have already met with Finance Minister Kahlon in his capacity as head of the Housing Cabinet, during which they called for measures to advance solutions for the chareidi sector housing shortage. The three are going to remain united on the matter to pressure the coalition into complying with demands and in turn, lose support for the state budget.

Gafne adds he was recently summoned to the home of the Vishnitzer Rebbe Shlita, who instructed them to remain firm in their demands. He also met twice of late with Rosh Yeshivat Hebron HaGaon HaRav Dovid Cohen Shlita.

Litzman explains the solution is not about new construction but in existing buildings. “Plain and simple” he explains, “The solution is the return of grants or loans for second-hand apartments as has been written numerous times. Litzman adds that for as long as the mayors of respective cities have to approve chareidi areas, there is no value to cabinet decisions.

Deri, who serves as Minister of Interior as well as Minister of Galil & Negev Development announced the only way they will succeed in resolving the housing problem is by standing together united on the matter. Deri stated “if the housing crisis is not resolved then there will be a coalition crisis”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)