Deal-making is an expected phenomenon as candidates seek to enlist support, both in a municipal/local election, as well as the general election for Knesset.

One of the major questions which arose as a result of Meir Porush’s candidacy for Jerusalem mayor is what will become of Yehoshua Pollack, the chareidi deputy mayor/power broker who currently serves in the administration of Jerusalem Mayor Uri Lupoliansky. Pollack is a controversial figure, either loved or otherwise for his bulldozer tactics — to push projects while opponents reject his methodology and lack of respect for prudent political practice.

It is reported that if Porush succeeds in his mayoral bid, Pollack will fill his seat in Knesset, representing Porush’s Shomrei Emunim party seat in the Agudah faction of the United Torah Judaism Party.

It is not being leaked however that the newly found fondness and unprecedented support among Belzer Chassidim for Porush may stem from more than the Rebbe’s Shlita enthusiasm over Porush, but from a confidential deal that guarantees Porush’s Knesset seat to prominent Belzer spokesperson and journalist, Rav Yisrael Eichler, a veteran MK who left his post to honor rotation agreements. Unconfirmed sources ‘in the know’ are reporting that if Porush is elected as mayor, the Belzer representative will find himself back in the Knesset.

All the parties involved deny any such deal, but time will tell. As for Pollack, reports indicate that he and Porush do indeed maintain a cordial relationship as Porush may offer him the post of director-general of Jerusalem City Hall, an even more powerful post than he holds today under the leadership of the Degel HaTorah-affiliated mayor, Lupoliansky. On the other hand, such an appointment would send a very negative message to supporters of Porush affiliated with non-chareidi camps.

Belzer officials responding to the report by calling the reported deal a welcome one, one that requires serious consideration.

The above scenario is just an appetizer as to what is in store for the upcoming general elections for Knesset, where the backroom and secret deal-making is well underway, with MKs and hopefuls jogging for position, each hoping to earn a realistic slot on a party’s lineup, all towards securing a seat in the next Knesset.

For more veteran members of the larger parties, the situation is even more precarious. While they may be assured a seat in the next Knesset, they must land a realistic enough position on the party list to ensure themselves a cabinet post should their party become the ruling party in the next government.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)