Shas Chairman Arie Deri May Resign Knesset Seat

Shas Chairman Arie Deri is reportedly considering stepping down from the Knesset, according to i24NEWS. Sources close to Deri indicate he wishes to maintain leadership of the party from outside the parliament, potentially as "President of Shas" or chairman of an external movement. If Deri leaves the Knesset, former Minister Ariel Atias is being considered to lead the party's parliamentary activities and serve as its chairman in the Knesset.

However, political analysts suggest this move is not finalized, as it is uncertain whether the Council of Torah Sages will approve Deri's continued leadership under such a model. These reports emerge following Shas's significant electoral defeat in the recent elections, where the party dropped from 11 seats to just six, its lowest point since 1992. The party lost approximately 100,000 voters, with sharp declines in its traditional strongholds in the south, central cities, and even Haredi communities.

Former Knesset Member Yigal Gueta attributed the loss partly to the party's stance on the draft law, which alienated traditional and national voters while frustrating devout Haredi factions unable to secure exemptions for yeshiva students. Since the results, Deri has been in seclusion, reportedly discussing his future with senior rabbis, including Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef. The political landscape remains complex, with the right-wing and Haredi bloc holding 53 seats against the opposition's 48. Deri's potential departure and Atias's possible succession could significantly impact coalition negotiations for the next government.