During a panel discussion in Arad, a forum for the Gerrer community vacationing during bein hazmanim, Health Minister Yaakov Litzman decided to launch an attack against Degel Hatorah and its leader, MK Moshe Gafne.
The panel included Litzman as well as Aryeh Deri, and the members were asked to address an array of political issues impacting the chareidi tzibur. Litzman stated, “I cannot explain the battle launched against me during the past two years in five minutes. We have a Moetzas Gedolei Torah as you do. It will not compel me to think as it does and I have the right to think differently”.
There are accusations against Litzman that Degel’s Miki Alper did not become a deputy mayor because of him. Responding to those accusations, Litzman said, “I did not bother anyone in Degel Hatorah in Haifa. Quite the contrary, I met with Mayor Yona Yahav and told him if he wishes, he can make Alper a deputy mayor. I did what I can to assist but they rejected my overtures”.
Regarding the Jerusalem Law and differences with the Bayit Yehudi party, Litzman explained each party has their rabbonim and each will act accordingly and “Just like I do not expect them to adhere to our Moetzas Gedolei Torah, they should not expect me to act as they do” he added.
Litzman explains Bennet feels there should be 140 MKs while he does not share the vision and does not want the bill to pass. “I feel there are too many MKs today, yet alone adding” Litzman exclaims.
Regarding Degel Hatorah, Litzman states “They feel the breakup should by 60/40 in their favor, but I say it should be 70/30 in our favor. They are responsible for the lost mandate in the elections, from the litvish tzibur. They have to do the cheshbon nefesh and not come and make demands from us”. He further states if they received eight seats as should have been the case, that last seat would have been given to Degel and they would not be making demands today.
Deri then interrupted as he felt the tone was becoming too harsh and he tried to calm everyone down. He explained “Despite what you heard from Litzman, he and Gafne sit in Knesset and work together in total partnership. You have not seen another pair of doves like this. We make each demand like a fist of iron, unified”.
Litzman adds, “Nevertheless, I do not retract a word I said”.
Regarding investigations against PM Netanyahu, Litzman affirmed the chareidi parties stand firmly behind PM Netanyahu.
“It’s no secret the previous government fell because of us. We backed PM Netanyahu and this is how we are together” stated Deri.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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One Response
Litzman’s comments really disturbs me and does nobody any good.If he has a problem,must he air it out so the whole world has to see Haredi Jews fighting over nonsense like politics??
Full credit to Deri for trying to stop Litzman’s tirade with warm praises.But of course,Litzman has to have the final word that he does not back down on his words of discord.
Coming so soon after Tisha Be Ab,this was a most regrettable and unnecessary speech by Litzman,and one must hope that there can still be peace in the Haredi camp.