Gafni Warns Agudas Yisrael: “Without Equal Seat Allocation, We Won’t Run Together”

The dispute inside United Torah Judaism over the division of Knesset seats reached a new high Sunday evening.

During a session at Rav Karlitz’s beis din in Bnei Brak, MK R. Moshe Gafni issued a sharp ultimatum to Agudas Yisrael, declaring that Degel HaTorah might reconsider its alliance with the faction in the upcoming election.

“I tell you in no uncertain terms — the rabbanim will not allow us to run together if the current division remains: there are three of us and you four. The reality has changed, everyone already knows that we are the majority in the public,” Gafni said, addressing Agudah representatives.

The controversy focuses on the seventh slot on the joint list. After United Torah Judaism quit the coalition, several Norwegian-law-appointed MKs stepped down, leaving Agudaj with four seats while Degel HaTorah retained only three, sparking a new debate over fairness in representation.

Following the heated discussion, the court decided not to issue a ruling for now. It instructed both parties to appoint a third arbitrator by Sukkos. Representing Agudah was Attorney Avraham Singer, while Attorney David Shove represented Degel. Of all the MKs involved, only Gafni personally attended the proceedings.