Shas Party Finalizes Knesset List with Leadership Reshuffle

The Council of Torah Sages, the supreme spiritual authority of the Shas party, has officially approved the party's list for the 26th Knesset, ending internal speculation and uncertainty. Party leader Aryeh Deri remains at the top of the list, but significant shifts have occurred in the upper echelons. Knesset Member Yinon Azulai has been promoted to the second position, and Minister Michael Malchieli will take the third spot. Ministers Yoav Ben-Tzur and Moshe Abutbul have secured their places on the list after a period of concern.

New faces have been introduced to the Shas slate, with reserve Lieutenant Colonel Dror Amos appointed to the sixth position, a realistic spot for Knesset entry. Amos, who recently retired from the IDF and heads the religious council in Haifa, brings a security and management background to the party. Yosef Elnatanov, representing the Bukharan community, has been placed at number 11, aiming to broaden the party's appeal.

The reshuffle signifies a deliberate rejuvenation of the party's leadership. Azulai's ascent to the second position marks him as Deri's second-in-command, a notable change from previous elections where he ranked lower. This move is seen as solidifying a younger, more dominant leadership within the faction.

The party's official statement highlighted the integration of new forces alongside the continued efforts of existing Knesset members to "strengthen Jewish identity." The final list includes Aryeh Deri, Yinon Azulai, Michael Malchieli, Yoav Ben-Tzur, Haim Biton, Dror Amos, Moshe Abutbul, Uriel Buso, Yosef Tayeb, Yonatan Mashriki, Yosef Elnatanov, Erez Malul, and Simon Moshiashvili.

The process leading to the final list involved intense discussions overseen by the Council of Torah Sages. While Deri's leadership and the placement of Azulai and Malchieli were agreed upon relatively early, the order of subsequent positions was adjusted until the final signing. The outcome reflects a controlled refresh, maintaining experienced parliamentary members while incorporating new candidates to expand the party's reach and representation.