Shas Spiritual Leader Slams Gadi Eisenkot Over IDF Integration

Shas spiritual leader Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef sharply criticized Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yahadut HaTorah party, on Thursday, September 10th, stating that he must not be allowed to gain power. This marks a significant shift from just two months prior, when Rabbi Yosef had indicated Shas might support Eisenkot. Speaking at a conference in Ashdod, Rabbi Yosef declared, "We saved the yeshivas. If, God forbid, the left comes to power, Eisenkot and his friends, woe unto us. He was Chief of Staff and introduced a system in the army where men and women can fight together in the same tank. Woe unto us." He recounted an instance where he, as the former Chief Rabbi, explained the seriousness of the issue to Eisenkot, but received no response, lamenting the lack of respect shown to him.

Rabbi Yosef recently joined the Shas party's election campaign after meeting with its chairman, Aryeh Deri. Shas has officially recognized Yitzhak Yosef as the successor to his father, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef. His current stance against Gadi Eisenkot is a recent development. Previously, Rabbi Yosef had described Eisenkot as a "good person, a soulful Jew" who "loves Torah scholars," and mentioned his grandmother voted for Shas. In July 2026, Rabbi Yosef had stated, "Perhaps we will go with him in the upcoming elections, perhaps support him as the next prime minister." He had also expressed hope that the Orthodox public would support Eisenkot.

At that time, in July, the former Chief Rabbi had publicly commented on the secular nature of Israel, saying, "You know, gentlemen, we live in a country that is, unfortunately, secular. Not a religious state. We pray that everyone will repent... some will return to the fold. But some, I don't believe, they will never understand. Will Netanyahu return to religion? No chance. But Eisenkot, perhaps he will repent and return."