While the news is not a revelation of significant change in what we all know, the litvish chareidi Degel Hatorah party has officially announced it is endorsing Jerusalem mayoral candidate Moshe Leon in November’s municipal elections throughout Israel.

It was apparent that in addition to the Shas and Yisrael Beitenu parties, that Degel was backing Leon but to date, there has not been an official announcement confirming this. Many are still scratching their heads and remain somewhat perplexed as to how Shas and Degel feel that they can back a dati leumi candidate in the race when there is a chareidi mayoral hopeful, Agudas Yisrael’s Yossi Deutsch.

Degel national chairman, MK Moshe Gafne, recently told the media the party is not backing Deutsch because Agudas Yisrael is unwilling to give his party as fair shake regarding the division of council seats and other election-related matters.

That being the case, Degel Hatorah has finally made the announcement, making their endorsement of Leon official. This appears in the Sunday morning 28 Tishrei edition of the Degel Hatorah-affiliated newspaper, Yated Neeman. The notice in the newspaper states “HaGaon HaRav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita and Rabbeinu Rosh Yeshiva HaGaon HaRav Gershon Edelstein Shlita have announced in the upcoming elections in Yerushalayim, the party will support Mr. Moshe Leon”.

It is reported that prior to arriving at this decision, meetings were held with various factions to discuss matters including kedushas Yerushalayim…The announcement adds the Moetzas Gedolei Torah of Shas headed by HaGaon HaRav Shalom Cohen Shlita has also decided to back Leon’s candidacy.

It is added that the newspaper states in the coming weeks, closer to elections, letters of endorsement from Gedolei Hador will be publicized.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)