MKs from the Degel Hatorah faction in Knesset, including Moshe Gafne, Uri Maklev, and Yaakov Asher, will be convening on Monday afternoon in the hope of reaching a decision pertaining to a document of understanding. The document pertains to a deal with the Shlomei Emunim faction following which, a meeting is planned with that faction’s head, Deputy Minister Meir Porush.

According to a Kikar Shabbos report, the three convened at 3:00PM in the faction’s office on Kahaneman Street in Bnei Brak to discuss the draft agreement.

Local Degel representatives will also take part in the Degel headquarters meeting as the draft agreement addresses both Beit Shemesh and Elad. If and when the draft is approved, as is expected will be the case, it will be passed to Shlomei Emunim with suggested changes, which will differ from previous oral agreements. If and when Agudas Yisrael approvers it, then Porush will sign the agreement, but only after it is approved by all factions of Agudas Yisrael, not just Shlomei Emunim.

It appears, at least for the time being, that the mayoral slot in Elad will be in the hands of Degel and the current mayor, Yisrael Porush, will serve as deputy mayor and oversee the building and planning portfolios. The general-manager of the city will be in Agudas Yisrael’s hands, and in five years, the following municipal elections, Porush will return to his mayoral post.

Regarding Beit Shemesh, in the term immediately following this election, Degel will back the Shlomei Emunim candidate for mayor. In addition, Shlomei will hold the deputy mayoral post. Degel is demanding the education, planning & construction, transportation, and community centers portfolios. This is in addition to a promise to appoint an Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi to the city, which has only had a Sephardi Chief Rabbi to date.

To the amazement of some, including the Shas party, the deal-making continues to the exclusion of the Sephardi chareidi party, who mayor continues serving, and who won the last elections despite formidable challenges, including a court-ordered reelection.

However, without the support of the Ashkenazi chareidi tzibur in Beit Shemesh, litvish and chassidish alike, Abutbul’s chances of reelection drop significantly.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)