Jerusalem, 6 September, 2026 (TPS-IL) — MKs Moshe Gafni and Uri Maklev were ousted from the Degel HaTorah party overnight Sunday, according to the office of Rabbi Dov Lando, leader of the Lithuanian Haredi community.
Party activists described the move as humiliating for the veteran lawmakers, who had reportedly fought the decision in recent days. The ouster paves the way for MK Yaakov Asher, a close associate of Rabbi Lando, to take over as party leader.
In a statement, the rabbinic leadership said Lando personally thanked Gafni and Maklev for their years of service and “complete obedience” to the Torah sages, particularly their efforts on behalf of yeshiva students.
The statement said the two would leave the Knesset “due to the need to refresh” the party’s ranks and make room for new representatives. Lando also asked Gafni to continue serving as chairman of Degel HaTorah’s national movement.