The draft law deadline approaches: Dramatic meeting of Lithuanian Leader with son of Gur Rebbe

Today (Tuesday), the son of the Rebbe of Gur, His Holiness Rabbi Nehemiah Alter, arrived at the residence of the leader of the Lithuanian public, Rosh Yeshiva the Gaon Rabbi Dov Lando, on Harav Shar Street in Bnei Brak.

The meeting took place against the backdrop of the deadline set for the approaching Shavuot holiday regarding the legislation of the draft law, an issue that is creating tensions between the Haredi parties.

As recalled, several months ago the Admor of Gur met with the leader Maran Rabbi Lando at his home with the participation of Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch, where a deadline was set for passing the law by Shavuot.

Rabbi Nehemiah came on behalf of his father, the Admor of Gur, with the aim of forming a unified front with "Degel HaTorah" toward presenting a joint demand to the Prime Minister to present a draft of the conscription law by Shavuot.

During the meeting, Rabbi Lando expressed his concern about the difficulties in passing the law, saying: "There are many obstacles regarding the draft law, and if we see that the obstacles are not being overcome, there is no point in remaining in this government."

Sources in Agudat Yisrael noted that the Admor of Gur is considering withdrawing from the government due to lack of progress on the law, but understands that without Rabbi Lando's agreement, the move would be difficult to implement. Therefore, an attempt is being made to formulate a joint framework with "Degel HaTorah."

The meeting illustrates the complexity and sensitivity of the issue, and the need for unity between the Haredi parties in light of the legal and political challenges. Further developments on the matter are expected to affect the stability of the coalition and the entire government.

Two months ago, the Haredi leaders - Rabbi Lando and the Admor of Gur - met at Rabbi Lando's residence, with Rosh Yeshiva the Gaon Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch also joining the meeting.

The meeting included the Admor of Gur and his son, the Gaon Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch, and from the activists' side: Rabbi David Shapira and Moti Babchik. But beforehand, a closed conversation was held between the Admor and Rabbi Lando for over a quarter of an hour, and then Rabbi Hirsch, the son, and the activists entered.

First, the Admor and Rabbi Lando heard from Rabbi Hirsch, who told about the conversation he had with Prime Minister Netanyahu and about how it would be very difficult to set a deadline until Shavuot, since the government would not be able to meet it.

During the meeting, the parties clarified that any date that would be set would be inconvenient for Prime Minister Netanyahu, and he would find a bag of excuses for why not to pass the draft law on the agreed date. Therefore, Rabbi Lando decided that if there is no progress by Shavuot, this would be grounds for withdrawal from the government.