Degel HaTorah is weighing whether to end its longstanding partnership with Agudas Yisrael and run independently in the upcoming elections, according to an i24NEWS report.

The discussions come amid sharp disagreements over the draft law. Degel HaTorah officials believe that actions taken by Agudas Yisrael representatives could prevent the legislation from advancing when the Knesset returns for its next session, while several Chassidish representatives currently oppose any compromise.

In recent days, Degel HaTorah held internal meetings to reconsider its alliance with Agudas Yisrael. The two factions currently run together as United Torah Judaism under an agreement that divides influence, positions and political power equally between them.

During one closed-door meeting, senior Degel HaTorah figures reportedly voiced unusually harsh criticism.

“There is no reason in the world that they should receive the same as us,” MK Moshe Gafni said. “They destroyed the draft law for us. The time has come to separate from them, unless the Gedolim say otherwise.”

MK Uri Maklev said, “They acted and did things even against the Gedolei Yisrael.”

MK Yaakov Asher added, “If this is their path, then let them continue without us.”

A split could have significant consequences for Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s bloc following the elections. Netanyahu has reportedly been involved in efforts to ensure that the two factions continue running together.

Degel HaTorah is also seeking to change the balance of power within United Torah Judaism and gain greater political influence, which it believes could make it easier to reach a compromise on the draft law.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)