Shas Party Finalizes Knesset List with Leadership Shakeup

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 disputes. Party leader Aryeh Deri remains at the top of the list, but significant shifts have occurred in the upper echelons. Knesset Member Yinon Azoulay 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 uncertainty.

The list also introduces new faces, including reserve Lieutenant Colonel Dror Amos, who is placed in a realistic sixth position, and Yosef Elnatanov, representing the Bukharan community at number 11. Shas stated that alongside the continued efforts of current Knesset members, new forces will be integrated to strengthen Jewish identity.

Azoulay's ascent to the second position is particularly noteworthy, marking him as the most senior figure in the party after Deri and signaling a move towards a younger, more dominant leadership within the faction. This contrasts sharply with previous elections where Azoulay was ranked lower. Amos, a former IDF officer and head of the Haifa Religious Council, brings a security and management background to the party, aiming to inject new energy and broaden its appeal.

The finalization of the list followed intense discussions and negotiations, with the Council of Torah Sages overseeing the process. While Deri's leadership and the positions of Azoulay and Malchieli were relatively settled early on, the order of subsequent candidates underwent adjustments 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 for the upcoming elections.