Shas in Turmoil: Senior Members Accuse Deri of 'Media Stunt' After Election Loss
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Senior members of the Shas party are in open revolt against Chairman Arie Deri following a severe electoral loss that reduced their Knesset representation from 11 to six seats. Accusing Deri of a "media stunt" and avoiding responsibility, they are demanding his resignation. Deri is reportedly considering various exit strategies, while some within the party are attempting to rally support for his continued leadership.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Senior Shas officials accuse Chairman Arie Deri of a "media stunt" after the party's election defeat.
- Shas's Knesset representation was cut from 11 seats to just six in the recent elections.
- Deri is reportedly considering resignation, but critics suspect he seeks to be persuaded to stay.
- The current turmoil echoes a similar resignation attempt by Deri in 2014.
- Deri is exploring options including full political withdrawal or a reduced leadership role.
- Efforts are underway within Shas to rally support for Deri's continued chairmanship.
The Shas party is experiencing unprecedented internal turmoil following a significant electoral defeat, dropping from 11 Knesset seats to just six in the recent elections. Senior figures within the party are openly expressing anger and suspicion towards Chairman Arie Deri, accusing him of orchestrating a "media stunt" rather than taking responsibility for the party's poor performance.
This internal storm intensified over the weekend when Deri, while visiting Rabbi Pinchas Abuchatzira in Beersheba, reportedly told those around him that he was seriously considering resigning from his leadership position. According to Channel 14, these statements were met with fury and distrust by other senior party officials.
These officials claim Deri is attempting to replicate a 2014 scenario, where he dramatically announced his resignation following the release of a harsh recording by Rabbi Ovadia Yosef. That resignation was ultimately rejected after rabbis visited his home. The current sentiment among party members is that Deri should step down for leading the party to its worst result in decades, rather than attempting to manipulate public opinion.
Reports indicate Deri is exploring several options for his political future, including a full withdrawal from politics, resigning only from the Knesset while maintaining party leadership from outside, or assuming a ceremonial "party president" role with a new chairman acting as the de facto leader.
Amidst the criticism, some within Shas are working to prevent further instability. Rabbis have visited Deri to offer support, and a public letter endorsing his continued leadership, prepared by senior Rabbi Moshe Maya, is reportedly being circulated.
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