By now, it is clear that Degel Hatorah is panicking, seeking to place its own candidate in the mayoral race in one of the major cities. The party is working to reach a compromise with Shas in Beit Shemesh and other areas, Elad, which is now run by Mayor Yisrael Porush of Shlomei Emunim, is another soar point for Degel, and now, the litvish faction of Yahadut Hatorah is signaling it may announce Deputy Mayor Yitzhak Pindrus as its candidate.

Kikar Shabbos News reports that MK Uri Maklev has met with Pindrus to discuss his candidacy, all the while Ze’ev Elkin is likely to be the Likud candidate and Moshe Leon has already announced he is running. Both of these candidates are identified with the right wing, both wear kippot, and both would be strong contenders against a chareidi candidate.

Once again, running a chareidi candidate in Jerusalem under current realties, which include the lack of achdus in the frum community, may split the vote enough to place a non-religious mayor in Jerusalem City Hall for a third consecutive mayoral race.

Degel gives the impression that running its own candidate in a race take precedence over the big picture, but for now, nothing is final and none of the chareidi communities, litvish or chassidish, have announced support for any of the announced candidates in the Jerusalem race.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)