Degel Hatorah officials have indicated they wish to continue cooperating with the Shlomei Emunim faction, and to permit the latter’s candidate, Yisrael Porush, to run for reelection in Elad without a Degel opponent. However, there are now voices in Degel speaking of “our right to run with our own candidate in the Elad race”. They explain that in line with agreements, that position is now slated for a Degel representative, so the party has the right to challenge Porush’s bid for reelection.

The same is true regarding the Beit Shemesh elections. In the case of Beit Shemesh, Degel has entered into negotiations with Mayor Moshe Abutbul of Shas and the party has indicated if there is agreement, and Shas can/will meet Degel’s wish list, Degel Hatorah will back Abutbul’s bid for another term. Unlike Beit Shemesh, there is currently no negotiations ongoing in Elad however Degel has not announced a candidate to compete against Porush.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)