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The hakafos shniyos event in Kfar Chabad has become something of an annual tradition, with thousands of Israelis of all denominations pouring in to dance with sifrei Torah. The celebrations were originally meant to match the excitement of Simchas Torah at 770 Eastern Parkway, the Chabad world headquarters— but in time the event has become a phenomenon in its own right, attracting a media spotlight.

But this year, falling two weeks before Election Day, this Motzaei Simchas Torah event became a means of cobbling votes. Leading politicians showed up to be seen and photographed. Defense Minister Benny Gantz, chair of the National Unity Party, appeared onstage flanked by his ally, Justice Minister Gideon Saar. In the face of unflattering polls, the pair continue floating the “plan B” of a Gantz government supported by the chareidim.

Despite the chorus of jeers and hisses that greeted them at Kfar Chabad, the pair can’t stop circling the chareidi community. Two days after the hakafos shniyos, Gantz would be photographed with Degel HaTorah chairman Moshe Gafni, who continues to give right-wing leaders a headache, harboring his own agenda and extending a hand to the opposing camp.

But Gantz’s appearance at Kfar Chabad was only an appetizer for what came later in the evening. Moments after the Blue and White chair left, attendees picked up on an internecine battle within the right wing.