In a closed discussion within United Torah Judaism, representatives of Degel HaTorah accused their coalition partners in Agudat Yisrael of undermining the yeshiva draft exemption bill, according to a report by KALMAN. The Degel HaTorah representatives reportedly suggested either splitting the faction or altering the political balance of power.
The deepening rift within United Torah Judaism surfaced in a closed-door meeting, where Degel HaTorah figures pointed blame at Agudat Yisrael for blocking progress on the conscription exemption bill — a core legislative priority for the Haredi parties. The message, attributed to KALMAN, describes Degel HaTorah representatives as accusing their coalition partners of having "ruined the conscription [bill] for us" and as proposing organizational separation or a recalibration of power within the joint faction.
The Zioneer has previously reported on the internal struggle over the draft exemption legislation, including the dispute between Degel HaTorah chairman MK Moshe Gafni and Shas leader Aryeh Deri, which has stalled the bill's advancement in the Knesset. The latest development signals that the friction is not limited to the UTJ-Shas axis but is also boiling over within the Haredi alliance itself. The conscription bill remains one of the most politically charged items in the current coalition, with the Haredi parties seeking to enshrine full exemptions for yeshiva students, while opposition and security figures argue it undermines the IDF's manpower needs.
The proposal to split the United Torah Judaism faction into its constituent parties — Degel HaTorah and Agudat Yisrael — would be a significant internal move, though such a split has been discussed in the past. No formal decision has been reported.
- DevelopingUnited Torah Judaism Faction Requests Split Into Degel HaTorah and Agudat Yisrael Ahead of Elections
- DevelopingDegel HaTorah Opposes Changes to Torah Study Basic Law, Warns Coalition Legislation May Be Blocked
- StrongMK Moshe Gafni pushes urgent vote on Haredi draft exemption bill; Degel HaTorah blames Shas leader for delay
- DevelopingDegel HaTorah leader Rabbi Hirsch joins call for vehicle protest
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