a united Haredi party

The rumors right now are talking about an agreement being worked on that would have the three Haredi national political parties - Shas, Degel Hatorah and Agudat Yisrael - running together as one united party. The rumors include the gravitas of Rav Chaim Kanievsky who is supposedly behind the idea.

Is it going to happen? I have no idea. It is just a rumor right now, but it is a popular one right now that isn't going away so quickly.

I actually think it is a good idea. I personally see no difference between Degel and Agudah and don't see a reason why they have need to run as two separate parties or factions until now - on a national level, even if not on a municipal level, their needs are the same - mikvas, shuls, yeshivas, kollels, religious issues, child subsidies and all the regular national issues like security and whatnot. I see no reason why they need two separate parties just because these have grandparents who came from Lithuania and the others from Poland. Shas as well, though with Shas there is a slight difference - even though they have become more Haredi over the years, they still appeal to a traditional electorate in addition to their Haredi electorate. And I do not get how their differentiation in representation is necessary or good - it just causes more segmentation.

But will it happen? I have no idea.

My only thought is that with all the high-level politicians denying it, it is probably very likely at this point.

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