There is a mounting drama surrounding the Beit Shemesh mayoral race as Shas awaits a decision from the Degel Hatorah faction of Yahadut Hatorah, wishing to ascertain if the Ashkenazi chareidi faction will run its own candidate to compete against the incumbent, Shas-affiliated Mayor Moshe Abutbul. Many fear this would split the chareidi vote significantly, enough to open the doors of City Hall to a chiloni or dati leumi mayor.

It appears the matter has been presented to the Moetzas Gedolei Torah of Degel Yisrael, and the rabbonim Shlita are yet to reach a decision. Degel MKs are expected to visit with HaGaon HaRav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita this week to discuss the matter. MKs Uri Maklev and Moshe Gafne reportedly met with some Degel rabbonim on Sunday night, 7 Iyar, including HaGaon HaRav Yosef Efrati Shlita and HaGaon HaRav Gershon Edelstein Shlita

The Agudas Yisrael faction of Yahadut Hatorah has decided to back Abutbul, as have Likud and other parties.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)