Gafni’s ouster marks a changing era for Israel’s haredi parties – and for Netanyahu – analysis

Moshe Gafni, the Knesset's longest-serving MK and a prominent figure in Degel Hatorah, was removed from the party's Knesset slate along with Uri Maklev, on the instructions of Rabbi Dov Lando. This decision, attributed to a need to "refresh" parliamentary representation, marks a significant changing of the guard, with Yakov Asher slated to replace Gafni as chairman. The move is interpreted as holding Gafni responsible for the haredi parties' failure to secure comprehensive legislation protecting yeshiva students from conscription. This development signals a potential shift in the long-standing alliance between Likud and haredi parties, with Rabbi Lando previously stating that Degel Hatorah no longer trusts Netanyahu. While not an ideological shift, the change aims to reposition Degel Hatorah as a potential swing vote, rather than a guaranteed part of the Netanyahu camp, forcing the Prime Minister to actively court haredi support.