Shas Leader Arie Deri Ordered to Remain in Post; United Torah Judaism to Withhold Endorsement

The Council of Torah Sages has instructed Shas party leader Arie Deri to remain in his position, despite his expressed desire to step down following the party's significant electoral losses, which saw them reduced to six Knesset seats. The decision was made during a telephone conference call on Wednesday, after a planned in-person meeting in Jerusalem was canceled at the last minute due to disagreements.

Deri, who had sought to withdraw from public life, publicly affirmed his absolute obedience to the Council's ruling, stating he accepted their directive without hesitation. He announced plans to convene a special faction meeting to analyze the election results and strategize for the future. Shas is expected to recommend Benjamin Netanyahu for prime minister, a move contingent on his commitment to regulate the status of Torah scholars.

Shas representatives, including MKs Michael Malchieli, Yinon Azulai, Yoav Ben-Tzur, Haim Biton, and Dror Amos, met with President Isaac Herzog to formally endorse Netanyahu. Malchieli cited intense incitement against Shas during the election campaign as a factor in their reduced mandate, while Azulai mentioned facing severe backlash regarding the conscription law and public perception of the Haredi community.

In contrast, the United Torah Judaism party is reportedly set to break ranks. Rabbi Dov Lando, the spiritual leader of the Lithuanian Haredi public, has decided that the party's representatives will not recommend Benjamin Netanyahu during the upcoming consultations at the President's Residence. This strategic decision follows informal discussions about alternative scenarios, including potential support for a government led by Gadi Eisenkot or external backing for such a government.

Rabbi Lando has consistently emphasized that Yahadut HaTorah is committed solely to the "world of Torah" and ensuring the status of yeshiva students, regardless of the political configuration. Discussions are ongoing among party leaders, including MKs Yaakov Asher, Yitzhak Goldknopf, and Meir Porush, to formulate a unified stance, with one option being to refrain from recommending any candidate for prime minister.