Jerusalem, 4 November, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Rabbi Dov Lando, spiritual leader of Degel HaTorah, decided on Wednesday that the party will refrain from recommending any candidate to form Israel’s next government.
The decision comes amid quiet, unofficial discussions in recent days involving United Torah Judaism (UTJ) leader MK Yaakov Asher and Degel HaTorah representatives, who are seriously exploring the possibility of joining a government led by MK Gadi Eisenkot.
While the decision has been communicated within the Lithuanian (non-Hasidic) Haredi community, discussions continue among the other factions comprising UTJ over their positions in the formal recommendation process at the President’s Residence.
Degel HaTorah’s decision could affect UTJ’s overall stance and introduce another variable into coalition negotiations, as President Isaac Herzog prepares to consider the parties’ recommendations for the mandate to form the next government.
