Shas Party Council Approves Knesset List, Welcomes New Candidates

The Council of Torah Sages of the Shas party has approved the party's list for the 26th Knesset, introducing two new candidates and adjusting the positions of incumbent representatives. Long-serving Knesset members Yaakov Margi and Moshe Arbel will not be included in the upcoming list, having announced their intention to conclude their parliamentary terms. These decisions were finalized during a meeting of the Council of Torah Sages on Sunday, September 17th, to discuss the list's composition. During the session, party chairman MK Aryeh Deri provided a comprehensive overview of Shas's activities and its representatives' work during the 25th Knesset term. A letter signed by the council members stated that the party's and its representatives' actions were carried out "according to the precise directives of the Council of Torah Sages throughout the entire term."

The council expressed its appreciation for MKs Margi and Arbel, who have held various public and ministerial positions over the years. "The Council of Torah Sages expresses its appreciation to the loyal representatives Rabbi Yaakov Margi and Rabbi Moshe Arbel, for their extensive work over the years in their various roles, and accepts their request not to be included in the Shas list for the next Knesset," the letter read. Aryeh Deri will continue to head the Shas list, followed by MK Yinon Azulai in second place and MK Michael Malchieli in third. Yoav Ben-Tzur is placed fourth, and Haim Biton fifth. Dror Amos, one of the two new candidates, will be in sixth place, followed by Moshe Abutbul (seventh), Uriel Busso (eighth), Yosef Tayeb (ninth), and Yonatan Mashriki (tenth). The new candidate Yosef Elnatano is eleventh, Erez Malul twelfth, and Simon Mushiashvili thirteenth. The Council of Torah Sages has authorized Deri to determine the candidates from the 14th position onwards.

The council members also reinforced their support for the party's representatives and its chairman, praising their work for Torah scholars and yeshivas, religious matters, and public assistance. "The Council of Torah Sages strengthens the hands of the emissaries of the sages, the representatives of the holy movement, led by our friend the chairman of the movement, Rabbi Aryeh Deri," the decisions stated. The council called on the public to unite behind the Shas movement and work for its success in the elections, emphasizing the importance of this in light of ongoing struggles against Torah scholars and attempts to harm those who study Torah.

Furthermore, the council addressed the ongoing conflict with the judicial system and attempts to prevent state memorial events for Rabbi Ovadia Yosef. "The Council of Torah Sages reiterates its deep sorrow regarding the cruel persecution of Torah scholars by the judicial system and its branches," the statement read. The council added, "Now they have gone further in attempting to harm the great legacy of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef. The Council of Torah Sages makes an urgent appeal: Cease the evil! Cease your grave actions! Know that the world of Torah will flourish and prosper, and your schemes will not succeed." The council concluded with a blessing for the new year for all of Israel, wishing for the downfall of enemies and the hastening of complete redemption. Shas is expected to submit its candidate list to the Central Elections Committee later today.