A senior Shas figure told N12 that a single faction is using United Torah Judaism's name to spread lies and harm legislation aimed at protecting Torah study, escalating the coalition dispute over Haredi enlistment. The statement responds to earlier criticism from UTJ.
A senior Shas official responded Monday to United Torah Judaism, accusing an unnamed element of exploiting UTJ's name to spread falsehoods and undermine legislative efforts to protect Torah study. The remark was carried by N12's Telegram chat.
The exchange continues a bitter coalition dispute over the military enlistment of ultra-Orthodox men. As The Zioneer previously reported, Shas has shifted its stance in recent weeks — initially urging caution over protests against alleged harm to Torah study, then later backing a mass demonstration led by Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef in Bnei Brak on June 29. Separately, journalists have warned of rising incitement within the community, citing harsh rhetoric against the IDF chief of staff.
The current volley reflects deepening tension between Shas and UTJ, two Haredi coalition partners that have clashed over the enlistment legislation's pace and substance. No details were provided on which specific legislation or accusations the Shas official was referencing.
2 developments
- DevelopingShas fires back at UTJ: accusations are false and harmful
- DevelopingShas official denies blame in coalition dispute over religious enlistment bill
- StrongUnited Torah Judaism joins Shas in blocking coalition legislation unless draft-evader arrests end and Torah study Basic Law passes
- DevelopingEli Hirshman: Sephardic Haredim opposed to Shas's handling of enlistment issue
Source and signal
A single-sourced dispatch is never rated Confirmed or Strong. Its Signal strengthens only when a second, independent source corroborates it.
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