Speaking to the press on Thursday night, the eve of 9 Shevat 5774, MK (Yahadut Hatorah) Yaakov Litzman explained that former Shas leader MK Eli Yishai is to blame for him not receiving the chair of the Knesset Finance Committee. Litzman made it clear that Yishai’s actions were serious and he will be held accountable in the future. Litzman questions how Yishai can express anger or bewilderment that he was blocked from becoming the chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs & Defense Committee when he acted in the same fashion against him.

Litzman was asked why he did not support a bill seeking to block Aryeh Deri’s return to politics. He explained he did not think it was the correct thing to do and therefore, he did not support it. He questions however why Shas MKs did not support the bill. He added that it was Yishai that blocked his appointment to the Finance Committee, which went to Moshe Gafne. “He will have to pay the price. It is most serious” Litzman stated.

Litzman added that the Degel Hatorah faction of Yahadut Hatorah is “a different party” and they do not speak. He feels they (Degel) are working to create a split in Agudas Yisrael, the chassidish faction. Litzman points out that Belz and Vishnitz don’t speak with Degel either, so he cannot be blamed for creating controversy despite an accusing finger being pointed at him by Degel.

In short, the split between the litvish and chassidish factions seems to be widening for the time being.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)