The pressure exerted by the Meir Porush-Israel Eichler axis on the Yaakov Litzman-Yaakov Tesler axis within Agudat Israel, while giving Torah Judaism a negative image of a divided faction, was successful.
As you may recall, more than a year ago, a conflict developed within Agudat Yisrael over the positions on the joint list. MK Israel Eichler, who represents Belz and was until then in an unrealistic 8th place, demanded a promotion to 6th place at the expense of MK Yaakov Tesler, who represents Hasidic Vizhnitz, which Belz claims is smaller than it. On the other hand, Tesler - a protégé of Litzman - received the support of Hasidic Gur.
Three arbitrating judges in the dispute ruled in a temporary decision more than a year ago that there would be a rotation for the 6th spot on the United Torah Judaism list for the Knesset. According to the decision, MK Eichler from Belza is placed in the 6th spot on the United Torah Judaism list in the elections for the 24th Knesset, and MK Yaakov Tesler from Vizhnitz is placed in the 8th spot - but he was supposed to receive the first position that would remain for the United Torah Judaism party after the election of Litzman and Prus, if the New entered the coalition.
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According to the decision, in the next term the situation was supposed to be reversed: Tesler would be placed before Eichler, but a representative from Belza would be the first to choose the vacant position.
This decision was temporary, in preparation for arbitration that was to take place on all disputes between the two sides, on a variety of issues.
But now we are revealing here in Haredim 10 for the first time that during the Passover holiday, a dramatic development took place within the faction.
Against the backdrop of the local elections that will be held in a year and a half, dramatic understandings were reached between MK Meir Porush and Bnei Brak mayoral candidate Hanoch Seibert from the Gur Hasidim.
Without holding formal arbitration, the parties decided on the number of agreements as a "confidence-building step," with the goal of rebuilding trust between the parts of the party.
In a conversation with a source in Shlomi Emunim, he says: "Our demands were met, unequivocally.".
Among other things, Gur gave up on the Knesset list and complied with the demand that Israel Eichler from Belza be placed on the list ahead of Vizhnitz representative Yaakov Tesler.
A finance committee has also been established, headed by the 'Center' Meir Porush. The Belz Hasidic community will also have a representative on the committee, including the right to sign.
In addition, in contrast to the situation where decisions were often made based on the opinion of "one of the members", it was decided that from now on the Agudat Yisrael faction will convene, and decisions will be made by majority vote in a democratic process. This is especially true when it comes to a parliamentary decision. When larger and more fundamental decisions are on the agenda - the Council of Torah Sages will, of course, convene, where the decision will be made.
What pushed the 'central faction' of Gur Hasidism - which is already torn from within due to the split in the Alter community - to make concessions was the fear that Degel plus the Porosh-Eichler axis would undermine the long-standing agreement in Bnei Brak, for example, and appoint a mayor on their behalf, thereby thwarting the run of Hanoch Seibert, who, according to the agreement, is supposed to take the helm of power in the city in the next elections.
