Top Rabbis Order Shas Leader Arie Deri Not to Resign

Arie Deri, the chairman of the Shas party, sought permission from the Council of Torah Sages to resign from his position. However, the rabbis rejected his request, insisting that he continue to lead the party. The Council stated, "While Torah scholars groan under the burden of harsh decrees in the midst of battle and cry out for salvation, the most experienced general is needed to lead the fight." Following this directive, Deri issued a statement acknowledging the "categorical instruction of the Council of Torah Sages." He affirmed his lifelong commitment to obeying Torah opinions, stating, "I have grown and been raised my entire life in the spirit of obedience to the opinion of the Torah, and this is how I have acted throughout all the years of my public activity. Moreover, we have raised entire generations in this spirit." Deri concluded by saying, "Therefore, having received today a categorical instruction from our esteemed teachers and rabbis, members of the Council of Torah Sages, may their days be prolonged, I accept it without hesitation or doubt and thank our teachers and rabbis for the trust and support they have given me throughout the journey." He announced plans to convene a faction meeting with Knesset members and local authority representatives to "roll up our sleeves, learn lessons, and move the movement forward."