Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri Considers Political Exit After Election Blow
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Shas party chairman Aryeh Deri is reportedly considering leaving politics after the party's electoral decline from 11 to six Knesset seats. He is weighing options including a full retirement, resigning from the Knesset, or moving to a presidential role, according to "Yedioth Ahronoth." Senior Shas rabbis are attempting to convince him to stay, with one drafting a letter of support.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri is considering leaving politics after the party's election losses.
- Deri is contemplating a full retirement, Knesset resignation, or a party president role.
- Shas dropped from 11 seats to six in the recent Knesset elections.
- Senior Shas rabbis are urging Deri to continue as party chairman.
- A letter of support for Deri's continued leadership is being drafted by Rabbi Moshe Maya.
Following Shas's significant drop in the recent Knesset elections, from 11 seats to just six, party chairman Aryeh Deri is reportedly contemplating his future in politics. According to "Yedioth Ahronoth," Deri is weighing several options, including a complete withdrawal from political life, resigning from the Knesset while remaining party chairman, or transitioning to a role as party president.
The election results, which saw Shas lose five seats and return to a representation level not seen since 1992, have triggered this internal deliberation. Deri has not appeared publicly since the results were announced, fueling speculation about his next move.
Among the possibilities being considered is a full retirement from politics, paving the way for new leadership within Shas. Alternatively, Deri might step down from his Knesset seat but continue to lead the party from behind the scenes. Another proposed structural change involves Deri assuming a senior advisory role, akin to a party president, while another figure takes on the day-to-day leadership as chairman.
Meanwhile, senior rabbis within Shas are actively trying to persuade Deri to remain in his position. Rabbis have visited his home to offer encouragement, and an initiative is underway to publish a letter of support for his continued leadership, drafted by Rabbi Moshe Maya, a senior rabbi on the Council of Torah Sages of Shas.
