Shas Leader Aryeh Deri Remains Chairman After Rabbis Reject Resignation Request

Aryeh Deri will continue as chairman of the Shas party after the Council of Torah Sages, the party's spiritual leadership, rejected his request to resign following recent election results. A week after the vote, in which Shas secured six mandates, Deri asked for a meeting with the council to discuss his departure. Instead, the rabbis convened by phone on Wednesday, November 4, and decided Deri should remain at the helm. His future in the Knesset remains uncertain.

During consultations with President Yitzhak Herzog, where Shas recommended Benjamin Netanyahu form the government, Knesset Member Michael Malchieli stated Deri has the full support of the Council of Torah Sages, who see him as a leader for many years to come. However, a joint letter of support for Deri failed to materialize. Two council members refused to sign if former Sephardic Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef also signed, citing his controversial video urging people to flush draft notices, which they believe cost Shas 100,000 voters. Consequently, the letter was abandoned, and a council meeting is now being prepared.

The Shas party denied reports that Deri had submitted a written resignation from the Knesset and his chairmanship, calling such publications inaccurate. Following the council's decision, Deri stated he would obey the rabbis' directive, thanking them for their trust and support. He emphasized his lifelong adherence to obeying religious authorities. Deri plans to meet with faction lawmakers and local government representatives on Thursday, November 5, to analyze election outcomes and determine future steps.

Shas's six mandates are seen as a significant decline, particularly in ultra-Orthodox cities where the party lost approximately 21% of its support. While Shas weakened, the ultra-Orthodox party Yahadut HaTorah strengthened its position. Specific vote counts show declines for Shas in Elad, Bnei Brak, Jerusalem, Netivot, Ofakim, Kiryat Gat, Arad, Bat Yam, Netanya, and Lod. Support among secular and traditional voters shifted to Otzma Yehudit and Likud. Shas's attempts to retain voters included warnings against visiting the Temple Mount and a statement that those voting for Likud would not reach paradise.

Deri previously announced his resignation before the 2015 elections, prompted by criticism from spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef. However, he returned two weeks later after consulting with party members. At that time, the Council of Torah Sages also rejected his resignation request in writing. Deri then stated he was prioritizing the party and its voters' interests above all else, vowing to continue Ovadia Yosef's legacy and represent the neglected.