Veteran Shas MK Slams Party for Caving to Extremists on Draft Law

Yaakov Margi, a long-serving Member of Knesset for the Shas party, has launched a scathing critique of his own party, accusing it of surrendering to extremist factions within the ultra-Orthodox community and abandoning Torah scholars. Speaking in an interview with Ari Kalman on i24NEWS, Margi expressed a sense of loss since the passing of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, stating he felt he lacked support within the party. He revealed that he was told to refrain from speaking about the draft law, as it "bothered" the party "because it ignites the extremists." Margi argued that by capitulating to these extremist elements, Shas "sacrificed" the draft law, leaving Torah students without a regulated status and failing to address their needs. He questioned the rationale behind the party's stance, particularly in light of statements made by Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri, and contrasted it with the anxieties of the general public, who are dealing with trauma and sleepless nights.

Margi also sharply criticized ultra-Orthodox individuals who protest against military conscription, questioning the motives and the proportion of actual Torah scholars among the protesters. He condemned the "embarrassing and shameful scenes" at road blockades, asking if this behavior truly represents Torah scholars and questioning the leaders who encourage such actions. He asserted that the real threat to Torah study comes not from the military or sanctions, but from those who do not study and instead burden those who do.

Despite his strong criticism, Margi believes Aryeh Deri should not resign as party leader, stating that doing so would effectively mean closing down Shas. He also suggested that cooperation with Avigdor Lieberman is possible and criticized the party for its lack of achievements regarding the draft law during the past term and for appearing disconnected from the country's situation.