In line with the agreement between Degel Hatorah and Agudas Yisrael, the litvish and chassidish factions that make up Yahadut Hatorah, the eighth slot on the lineup goes to a Degel representative. With many of the polls showing an eighth slot may indeed by a reality, the decision must be made who will fill the slot. In actuality, some are optimistic and are speaking of a ninth slot.

The candidates on the short list include Yaakov Gutterman, Yitzchak Reich, Eliezer Sorotzkin and Menachem Shapira.

While many feel Gutterman is a leading contender, pointing out he enjoys widespread popularity as mayor of Modi’in Illit, he has gone head-to-head with Degel faction leader Moshe Gafne when the two disagreed over who would be deputy mayor in the chareidi city. This will undoubtedly work against him.

There is also Rechasim Mayor Yitzchak Reich, who is viewed as one who gets the job done. Working in his favor is his close relationship with Gafne.

Bnei Brak Deputy Mayor Menachem Shapira heads the city’s traffic services. Being that he is relatively new to his current post, he is less likely to get tapped for Knesset.

Lev L’Achim CEO Eliezer Sorotzkin, a son-in-law of Tel Aviv Chief Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau Shlita, is viewed as a doer with impressive abilities. He was a contender for the seventh slot which was given to MK Yaakov Asher. Some believe this increases his chances second time around. Another advantage is that his connections with many in the non-chareidi world because of his work with Lev L’Achim make him and asset that might pull additional votes.

Some feel this may even include secularists who have become disenchanted with Yair Lapid while others posit it is unrealistic to believe secularists from Yesh Atid would suddenly vote for a chareidi party.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)