Housing and Construction Minister Yitzchok Goldknopf of United Torah Judaism stepped down from his ministerial role on Thursday, citing continued frustration over the coalition’s failure to uphold commitments regarding the draft law and protections for yeshiva students.
In a resignation letter addressed to Prime Minister Netanyahu, Goldknopf wrote: “Despite my repeated warnings during Cabinet meetings, coalition leadership forums, and personal discussions, no agreement has been reached on the regulation of Torah students’ status. Therefore, I can no longer remain a member of this government.”
He reminded Netanyahu of prior assurances to pass legislation addressing the issue either before the approval of the 2023 state budget or within a ten-day timeframe—assurances he said were not kept. He also criticized more recent negotiations, saying they fall short of the coalition agreement’s original language.
Goldknopf pointed out that while officials only recently began engaging seriously on the matter, the bill that would allow for dissolving the Knesset failed to pass the previous evening. Reports indicate that the revised arrangements do not correspond to the original terms laid out in the coalition pact.
He announced his intention to return to the Knesset under the provisions of the Knesset Law. This move would mean that MK Eliyahu Broch of Degel HaTorah, who had entered the Knesset under the Norwegian Law, will conclude his service. Additionally, a deputy minister from Shas is expected to step down, making room for MK Moshe Roth of Agudas Yisrael.
Goldknopf also stated that if United Torah Judaism appoints a replacement from among its ranks to the Housing Ministry, Israel Eichler is the likely candidate. In that case, Broch would retain his seat in the Knesset.
{Matzav.com Israel}