A major political shakeup is underway in Degel HaTorah, with longtime MKs Moshe Gafni and Uri Maklev officially being informed that they will not serve in the next Knesset as the party moves to bring in a new generation of representatives.
Rav Dov Landau conveyed the decision to the two veteran lawmakers on Motzoei Shabbos in personal letters, informing them that they would not be included on Degel HaTorah’s next Knesset slate as part of a broader effort to refresh the party’s parliamentary representation.
Despite Gafni’s departure from the Knesset, Rav Landau asked him to remain in his position as chairman of the national Degel HaTorah organization.
Sources in Rav Landau’s home emphasized the considerable appreciation for the work carried out by Gafni and Maklev over the years, noting that the two operated in accordance with the directives of the Gedolei Yisroel throughout their lengthy tenures in public office.
Particular recognition was given to their efforts on behalf of bnei yeshivos, an issue that has become especially critical amid the ongoing battle over the status of bnei Torah and military conscription. The two veteran lawmakers were credited with conducting that struggle with dedication and loyalty while following the guidance of the Gedolei Torah.
Nevertheless, after years of service in the Knesset, the decision was reached that Degel HaTorah’s parliamentary ranks require significant renewal and that new representatives should be brought into the party leadership.
As a result, Gafni and Maklev, the two most senior figures on Degel HaTorah’s current Knesset list, will not return to the Knesset following the next election.
The dramatic decision followed hours of intensive behind-the-scenes consultations and exchanges tonight among the homes of the Gedolei Torah.
According to the sources, a special emissary traveled between the home of Rav Dov Landau and that of Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, carrying messages between the two as discussions and deliberations over the future composition of Degel HaTorah’s Knesset delegation continued for several hours.
Ultimately, the decision was finalized: Gafni and Maklev will leave the Knesset, marking a significant changing of the guard for Degel HaTorah and clearing the way for a substantially revamped slate in the next election.
The identities of the new representatives who will replace Gafni and Maklev have not yet been announced.
Those selections are expected to be made at a later stage in accordance with the decisions of the Gedolei Torah, setting the stage for one of the most consequential changes in Degel HaTorah’s political leadership in years.
