Yaakov Asher at Olam Katan Conference: "I am angry at Smotrich"

United Torah Judaism chairman Yaakov Asher attacked Bezalel Smotrich at the Olam Katan conference, saying he is angry at him and that Smotrich advanced steps for his own public while the Haredim "swallow a lot." Asher also expressed disappointment with Netanyahu and Likud, prioritized the conscription law, and refused to commit to a political bloc.

United Torah Judaism chairman Yaakov Asher harshly criticized Religious Zionism chairman Bezalel Smotrich at the Olam Katan conference. Asher said he is angry at Smotrich, claiming that during the term he advanced moves important to his own public while the Haredim were required to "swallow a lot." According to him, Smotrich "did not control his party." Alongside criticism of Smotrich, Asher also expressed disappointment with Likud and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying the Haredi public felt that issues important to it were taken for granted. Asher placed the conscription law and anchoring the status of the Torah world at the top of priorities, clarifying that United Torah Judaism will not enter a government where these issues are not addressed. He refused to commit to supporting any political bloc after the elections, following the directive of Rabbi Dov Landau, and declared a "Torah bloc." Asher revealed an internal demand in the party for ministerial positions, but clarified that the final decision will be made by the Torah sages.