A representative of Shlomei Emunim speaks of the current situation, using the term ‘Shveiras HaKeilim’ and the fact “There is no one to trust” in his eyes. In addition, the machlokes continues between the factions of Yahadut Hatorah in Beit Shemesh.

Shlomei Emunim’s Shimon Goldberg spoke with BeChadrei Chareidim regarding the situation in Beit Shemesh and adhering to agreements that were signed before elections, in particular the agreement by which former mayor of Beit Shemesh Moshe Abutbul was going to resign to permit the ninth person on the ticket, Shimon Goldberg, to enter the city council in his place.

Goldberg explained his anger during an interview with BeChadrei, lashing out at both Abutbul and the Degel Hatorah faction of the Yahadut Hatorah party following two days of turmoil which began with rabbonim announcing it is absolutely forbidden to enter the coalition being assembled by the city’s new mayor, Dr. Aliza Bloch. HaGaon HaRav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita is quoted leading this opposition, in addition to instructing former mayor Moshe Abutbul not to resign but to remain in the city council despite the agreement reached with Shlomei Emunim.

In the interview with BeChadrei, Goldberg, who was expected to serve as a deputy mayor in the city, lashed out at Abutbul and his decision not to resign, which prevents Goldberg’s entry into the coalition.

“I hope that in the end everyone will be in the coalition. I very much hope that people will come to their senses and return the favor and behave like public figures should act, especially as our rabbonim do, so that they will not force us to do something contrary,” says Goldberg.

Goldberg continued and shifted to an attack against Abutbul, who announced he will not be resigning to permit Goldberg to enter the coalition as he promised he would do. Goldberg believes that chareidi politics is based on agreements and understandings, and in this case, Abutbul’s behavior is not acceptable and will result in ramifications in numerous areas.

Regarding allegations that Agudas Yisrael’s decision in Beit Shemesh not to vote on Election Day resulted in Bloch’s election, Goldberg stated these allegations are simply lies, baseless and nothing more of less than non-truths. He explained that he personally did his utmost to get Abutbul reelected, as was the policy of Agudas Yisrael in that city’s election. He denies Agudas Yisrael did not vote for Abutbul, adding Abutbul is required to adhere to the agreement despite current realities, adding that the only reason Degel Hatorah remains in opposition is because there are portfolios still available and the litvish faction is working to get the best deal it can.

Goldberg continues slamming Degel, explaining “When Degel Hatorah entered the coalition ten years ago, it did it without us. When it closed [a deal prior to elections with] with Moshe Abutbul, it did so without us. None of them made sure to protect positions for us so we don’t have to worry about them. It cannot be one-sided, achdus when it fits them.”

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)