There was no progress reported following Monday night’s round of coalition talks between Yahadut HaTorah representatives and Likud negotiators. Yaakov Litzman reported following the meeting that the issue of giyur was presenting a major hurdle. UTJ refuses to recognize state-run conversion courts, stemming from the dispute that surrounded the giyur of thousands of people under the auspices of Rabbi Chaim Druckman Shlita, who was appointed to head the state-run authority by Ariel Sharon.

After leaving Likud negotiators, Litzman met with Yisrael Beitenu leader Avigdor Lieberman, whose party stands behind the demands for a civil marriage alternative for those who wish to bypass the Chief Rabbinate.

From the Degel HaTorah faction, Moshe Gafne updated Maran Rav Yehuda Leib Shteinman Shlita following Monday night’s negotiations. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)
a – YWN Israel)