Amid mounting pressure over the contentious draft law, Rav Nechemia Alter, son of the Gerrer Rebbe, met today with the Slabodka rosh yeshiva, Rav Dov Landau, at his home on Rechov Harav Sher in Bnei Brak. The meeting comes just days before the government’s self-imposed deadline of Shavuos to finalize legislation on the draft deferment for yeshiva students.
The visit follows a previous meeting held months ago between the Gerrer Rebbe himself and Rav Landau, accompanied by Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, during which the gedolim agreed to push for the law’s passage before Shavuos.
Acting on behalf of his father, Rav Nechemia Alter arrived with a mission: to coordinate with Degel HaTorah and form a united front in demanding that Prime Minister Netanyahu present a finalized version of the bill ahead of the Yom Tov.
During today’s meeting, Rav Landau expressed deep concern over the political and logistical roadblocks the law is facing. “There are many obstacles regarding the draft law,” he said pointedly. “If we see that these obstacles are not being overcome, there’s no reason to remain in this government.”
Sources within Agudas Yisrael noted that the Gerrer Rebbe is seriously considering withdrawing from the coalition due to the stagnation on the draft law, but recognizes that such a step would be difficult to execute without the backing of Rav Landau. As a result, efforts are now being made to coordinate a joint position between Agudas Yisrael and Degel HaTorah.
The outcome of these negotiations could have far-reaching consequences for the stability of the coalition government.
Two months ago, the Gerrer Rebbe and Rav Landau convened at Rav Landau’s home, joined by Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, for a critical strategy session. Also present at that time were Rabbi Dovid Shapira and Motty Babchik. Before the broader meeting began, the Gerrer Rebbe and Rav Landau held a private discussion lasting over 15 minutes.
During that meeting, Rav Hirsch relayed details of his recent conversation with Prime Minister Netanyahu, emphasizing how difficult it would be for the government to commit to a Shavuos deadline for the law’s passage. Both sides acknowledged that any timeline would likely be met with excuses from Netanyahu as to why the law could not be passed on time.
In light of this, Rav Landau reportedly made it clear that if there is no significant progress by Shavuos, it would serve as valid grounds for exiting the government coalition.
{Matzav.com Israel}