Top Rabbis Decide Against Expelling Knesset Members, Add New Names to Shas List

The Council of Torah Sages, a key decision-making body for the ultra-Orthodox Shas party, concluded a special session held ahead of the upcoming elections on Tuesday afternoon. Despite earlier reports suggesting potential expulsions, the sages ultimately decided not to remove any current Knesset members from the party's electoral list.

Instead, the council approved the addition of two new names to the Shas slate for the Knesset. These individuals will join the existing lineup, signaling a strategic move by the party as it prepares for the electoral contest. The specific identities of these new additions were not immediately disclosed in the report, but their inclusion suggests an effort to refresh or strengthen the party's representation.

The decision not to expel any members indicates a desire for continuity within the party's parliamentary group, while the addition of new candidates points to a forward-looking approach. The Council of Torah Sages holds significant influence over Shas's political direction and candidate selections, making this decision a notable development in the party's election preparations.