A shakeup has struck the United Torah Judaism (UTJ) party. After more than thirty years, MK Moshe Gafni has been removed from the Knesset list and will not run in the upcoming elections.

MK Uri Maklev has also been removed alongside him.

Taking Gafni’s place at the head of the party will be Yaakov Asher, while Yitzchak Pindrus will remain in the Knesset. Additional new names are expected to join the list shortly. On Motzei Shabbos, Rav Dov Landau reached out personally, sending letters to MKs Moshe Gafni and Uri Maklev, thanking them warmly for their years of activity carried out in complete deference to the Gedolei Yisrael, particularly their leadership in the struggle for the status of bnei yeshivos, which they conducted with outstanding dedication and to the credit of the Torah leadership.

However, due to the need for a refresh among the Knesset members, the two veteran MKs will be stepping down to make way for new representatives.In addition, Rav Landau asked Gafni, as chairman of Degel HaTorah, to continue serving as chairman of the national movement.

Belaaz was first to report last week that such a letter was being drafted by the Gedolim — a report that has now been confirmed with tonight’s official announcement.

Gafni has served in the Knesset since the days of Rav Shach and was the longest-serving member among the current MKs.