Shas Party Suffers Historic Blow in Elections, Losing Support in Traditional Strongholds
Translated & summarized from Haaretz by baba
The Shas party has suffered a 35-year low in support during the 2026 elections, losing ground in traditional and peripheral cities to Otzma Yehudit. Despite a campaign involving rabbinic threats, Shas saw sharp declines, particularly in peripheral areas and Haredi centers. United Torah Judaism, however, maintained its strength, with analysts suggesting its leader, Deri, is being blamed for Shas's electoral failure.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Shas party support hit a 35-year low in the 2026 elections.
- Otzma Yehudit gained support in traditional cities at Shas's expense.
- Shas saw sharp declines in peripheral cities and Haredi population centers.
- United Torah Judaism maintained its electoral strength.
- Analysts are blaming Deri for Shas's electoral failure.
Following the 2026 elections, it has become clear that the Shas party has experienced a significant decline in support, reaching a 35-year low. The party has particularly lost ground in traditional and peripheral cities, with Otzma Yehudit reportedly gaining support at Shas's expense.
Despite a campaign that included threats from prominent rabbis warning against not voting for the party, Shas appears to be one of the main losers of this election cycle. Data analysis after counting approximately 70% of the votes indicates a collapse in peripheral cities historically associated with Shas, and sharp declines even in Haredi population centers.
In contrast, United Torah Judaism (UTJ) has reportedly maintained its strength, possibly gaining a few more votes than in the previous election, though not fully realizing the natural growth of its voter base. This is considered a success for UTJ, especially given the establishment of two new Haredi parties, "HaTzibur HaHaredi" and "Tzeva Shahor," which only slightly impacted its vote share.
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