Shas Party Leader Aryeh Deri Criticized Internally Over 2026 Election Performance
Translated & summarized from Al-Shams by baba
An Israeli Channel 13 article sharply criticized Shas party leader Aryeh Deri for the party's 2026 election performance, citing eight management errors. The piece highlighted Deri's failure to acknowledge electoral defeat, his reliance on flattering advisors, and nepotism within the party. It also criticized the party's perceived detachment from voters and its stance on Haredi integration into society. The author urged Deri to review the party's direction, which he believes is becoming overly extreme.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Shas party leader Aryeh Deri faces internal criticism over the party's 2026 election performance.
- An article cited eight management errors, including denying election results and nepotism.
- The party is accused of relying on advisors who provide inaccurate information.
- Shas is criticized for its stance on Haredi integration and perceived disregard for voters.
- The author suggests Shas is becoming an extreme version of United Torah Judaism.
An article published by Israel's Channel 13 has sharply criticized Aryeh Deri, the leader of the Shas party, for the party's performance in the 2026 elections. The piece detailed eight alleged mistakes in the party's management, including a failure to acknowledge the election results, reliance on advisors who present an inaccurate view of reality, and nepotism in appointing close associates to positions. Author Michael Shimsh stated that Deri has not publicly admitted the party's electoral failure or taken responsibility for the outcomes. He argued that Deri's inner circle of advisors, who prioritize confirming his views over presenting him with facts, exacerbates the disconnect between the party leadership and reality.
The article also criticized what it termed a "detachment from reality," pointing to a private news channel managed by the party's public relations officer that provides Deri with curated news. Shimsh believes this contributes to a distorted understanding of developments within the party and the broader community. The piece further addressed the culture of favoritism and the distribution of jobs to loyalists, suggesting Shas has become a mechanism for allocating positions rather than selecting officials based on merit, professional capabilities, and performance.
Furthermore, the article highlighted a perceived disregard for voters, urging the party leadership to treat their demands seriously and cease statements and actions that undermine them. This includes remarks advocating for the disposal of Israeli conscription orders by discarding them in toilets. The critique extended to Shas's stance on Haredim seeking integration into Israeli society, noting that families and voters desire appropriate educational frameworks, including official Haredi schools, and greater opportunities for societal and workforce integration. The author contended that Shas should have championed these trends instead of opposing them.
The article concluded that these positions are eroding Shas's identity, asserting that the party should reconcile Torah values and traditions with support for the army and the state. Instead, it has become, in the author's view, a more extreme extension of the United Torah Judaism party. The piece called on Deri to heed the criticism and reassess the party's performance.
