In an interview with Yisrael Rosner in the Degel Hatorah-affiliated Yated Neeman newspaper, Degel leader MK Moshe Gafne explains realities surrounding the municipal elections around Israel vis-à-vis its partner, Agudas Yisrael. Gafne is asked to explain why in Haifa and Yerushalayim for example, Degel Hatorah has split from Agudas Yisrael and they are backing different candidates.

Gafne explains that the distribution of power between the litvish and chassidic factions in Yerushalayim was unacceptable, compelling Degel to back Moshe Leon instead of chassidic candidate Yossi Deutsch, who is also the only chareidi candidate in the race.

Gafne is clear, blaming Agudas Yisrael for the split in Jerusalem and elsewhere, stating the chassidic faction is simply being unreasonable regarding the division of the pie with Degel Hatorah, with the latter being the litvish faction. Gafne is quick to add that all parties concerned will however do their utmost to increase chareidi representation, somewhat contradicting the reality in place today.

Regarding municipal elections in Haifa, he explains Degel did everything possible to avoid a split. He points out the incumbent, Mayor Yona Yahav, has done everything possible against “All that is holy”, and he does not understand how Agudas Yisrael can publicly come out in support of Yahav, who he blames for making life a miserable for Haifa’s chareidim as he possibly could during this last term in office. This he feels compelled Degel to break from Agudas Yisrael and run independently, as Degel is not about to back a party which publicly supports the mayor, who is seeking reelection.

Party colleague MK Uri Maklev told Yated that in most places, the factions remain united, and one must address each municipality individually, with its own issues and realities. In Haifa he explains, where the matter is one of who will be the next mayor, Degel simply could not run with a party backing the incumbent.

Maklev stresses Degel’s desire to remain united with the other chareidi parties, pointing out, “However, there are places where there are needs that characterize our communities that require attention and reference according to their share of the population as in Jerusalem. When we split into two lists, there is no ideological dispute, but rather strengthening the representation of all the communities and increasing the power in the council.” Simply stated, Maklev and Gafne feel Agudas Yisrael is unwilling to give Degel what it perceives to be its fare share of the pie considering the number of Degel voters in the capital. The parties remain in dispute as to which faction has more supporters among registered voters in Yerushalayim.

“This was the case in Beit Shemesh as well in the last elections” adds MK Yaakov Asher of the Degel party. “It has proven itself and if the split [in this upcoming election] will strengthen the chareidi representation, it will increase ‘shalom and achdus’ during negotiations with the mayor as well as during the entire upcoming term”.

Regarding Degel’s decision not to back Yossi Deutsch in the Jerusalem mayoral race, Gafne explains if Agudas Yisrael wants Degel’s support, it has to include Degel in the decision-making process as to who the chareidi candidate will be, which did not occur in this case. He adds that at times, running a chareidi candidate can have a negative effect.

Gafne also delivers a jab to the Peleg Yerushalmi branch, without mentioning the Bnei Torah party by name, explaining at times, the division will result in a secular candidate becoming mayor, as was the case in the last municipal elections in Jerusalem, in which Mayor Nir Barkat was reelected to a second term.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)