Telshe Stone Mayor Avraham Rosenthal is not taking reports that he is being replaced lightly, as was reported by YWN-Israel. In fact, there are pashkavilim in the city against Yitzchak Ravitz, who lost his first place slot in party primaries in Betar Illit recently. Rosenthal stated the running of the city is not “just a job” and before Ravitz can be considered, he should at the very least move to the city and live there for a few years. Ravitz currently serves as a deputy mayor in Betar.

In Rosenthal’s letter to Degel leaders, and as seen on the pashkavilim, they reject the effort to give Ravitz a “consolation prize” after losing his slot in the local primaries.

A letter from Degel members was also released to party leaders, stating “It is not enough to try to close deals over the heads of the residents, as if they do not exist. Will they dare to drop an outside candidate as part of a wide-ranging political deal?”

The letter was signed by people who belong to Degel Hatorah, the signatories threatened: “We, the residents of the area, hereby announce that any political move that will be made over the heads of the residents will be met with a counter-reaction,” sending a clear message to party leader MK Moshe Gafne, that they reject an attempt to oust Rosenthal and replace him with Ravitz.

Rosenthal as since met with Gafne, and it is reported that he, the incumbent, enjoys Gafne’s backing in the upcoming elections. Gafne is quoted saying, “If you run, we will back you”.

It is added that despite the backing, if the rabbonim of the party instruct Rosenthal to step down, he will of course be compelled to comply. It is quite likely that Gafne will persuade the rabbonim that the time has come to replace Rosenthal in Telshe Stone. He has been in the position for four consecutive terms.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)