HaGaon HaRav Dov Landau sent personal letters on Motzaei Shabbos to MKs Moshe Gafni and Uri Maklev, informing them that they will not continue serving in the Knesset as part of a major refresh of Degel HaTorah’s slate.

HaRav Landau stressed great appreciation for Gafni and Maklev’s work in recent years, which was carried out in complete obedience to the Gedolei Yisrael. Particular mention was made of their battle on behalf of yeshiva bochurim, which they waged with dedication and loyalty under the guidance of the Gedolei Torah.

Nevertheless, after years of service in the Knesset, it was decided that the party’s parliamentary ranks need to be refreshed and new representatives brought in. Accordingly, the first two MKs on Degel HaTorah’s slate will not continue into the next Knesset.

Alongside the dramatic decision, HaRav Landau asked Gafni to continue serving as chairman of the national Degel HaTorah party.

MK Yaakov Asher is expected to take over as Degel HaTorah’s Knesset faction leader, heading the party’s slate in place of Gafni.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)