A dramatic development late Wednesday night temporarily halted the growing momentum toward dissolving the Knesset. Matzav.com learned that Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, rosh yeshiva of Slabdoka who is currently in the United States on behalf of the Olam HaTorah Fund, instructed that the vote on the proposed dissolution not be brought to the floor this week, giving his instruction via telephone from the U.S.
The directive followed a lengthy phone conversation between MK Moshe Gafni, head of Degel HaTorah, and Rav Hirsch. Gafni reported “significant progress” in discussions between chareidi representatives, Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, and Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chairman MK Yuli Edelstein.
Following that call, Deputy Minister Uri Maklev and MK Yaakov Asher also spoke with Rav Hirsch to update him on the developing understandings and the apparent willingness to reach a broad agreement. Based on these updates, Rav Hirsch ruled that the push to dissolve the Knesset should be put on hold for now.
Earlier in the evening, as Matzav.com reported, representatives of the chareidi parties met at length with MK Edelstein. According to sources present, the meeting was conducted in a serious, constructive atmosphere, with both sides aiming to avoid a coalition crisis by advancing a mutually acceptable draft law framework.
The sides reviewed key points of contention with hopes of achieving at least partial agreement. Though some political observers expressed skepticism about reaching a final breakthrough before a potential vote, chareidi MKs were seen stepping out intermittently during the meeting to consult with leading rabbanim.
Rav Hirsch’s guidance appears to have created a critical window of opportunity for renewed dialogue, postponing immediate threats of early elections.
Following the meetings, MK Edelstein stated: “I am pleased to announce that after extensive discussions, we reached agreements on the principles that will serve as the foundation for the draft law. As I’ve said from the start — only a real, effective proposal that expands the IDF’s recruitment base will advance from my committee. I have stood firm on that without compromise.”
“This is a historic milestone,” he continued, “and we are on the path to real societal reform and strengthening Israel’s national security. Soon, the committee will begin preparing the bill for its second and third readings. We are making history.”
In a joint statement, Degel HaTorah and Shas confirmed: “Following extended talks between our representatives and MK Yuli Edelstein, understandings have been reached regarding the core principles of the law to preserve the status of yeshiva students.”
“Since a few more days are needed to finalize the language of the bill, and following the guidance of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of Degel HaTorah and the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah of Shas, it has been decided to postpone the Knesset dissolution vote until next week. The coming days will be used to complete the draft text.”
“Accordingly, we call on the opposition to delay its proposal to dissolve the Knesset. If it is not delayed — we will vote against dissolution.”
Meanwhile, Agudas Yisroel issued a separate statement suggesting a split within the United Torah Judaism bloc. “As of now, no official draft has been submitted, nor has a written proposal regulating the status of yeshiva students been presented. We therefore continue to follow the clear directives of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah, and we support the proposal to dissolve the Knesset, should it come to a vote.”
In the Knesset plenum, opposition leader Yair Lapid sharply criticized the delay: “Once again, you’ve spat in the faces of IDF soldiers. Once again, you’ve sold out our fighters — for what? Two more weeks? Three?”
He added, “The chareidim had two choices tonight — either lose the draft-dodging law or lose the government. The government helped them choose draft-dodging.”
“The government helped them ignore the reservists. Helped them rig mass exemptions for tens of thousands of healthy young men. It won’t work. When coalitions begin to unravel, they unravel. It’s begun — and you know it’s begun. This is what a dying government looks like.”
{Matzav.com Israel}
Amazing: between the Gadol delivering a shiur in Detroit (3:30)and a shmuess (8:00), he saved the government.