Shas Denies Reports of Joining Government Led by Gadi Eisenkot

Shas issued a statement on Saturday evening denying what it called "false reports" about its willingness to join a government led by Gadi Eisenkot. The party stated that the reports were "complete fake news" and reiterated its commitment to the "right-wing bloc, lovers of Torah and Jewish tradition," as directed by the Council of Torah Sages. Shas emphasized that only its official announcements should be considered authoritative, not media or social media reports.

This denial comes amid speculation that United Torah Judaism, which did not recommend any candidate to the president for forming a government, might join forces with Eisenkot if concessions are made on the issue of drafting Haredim. Sources close to the matter suggest that if the rabbis of United Torah Judaism give their full consent to joining a government with Eisenkot and the "change bloc," the rabbis of Shas would likely follow suit, paving the way for the party to align with its Ashkenazi counterpart.

Historically, during the conscription crisis, Lithuanian rabbis were seen as setting the tone, influencing Shas's decisions, including their withdrawal from the previous government, which occurred only after United Torah Judaism members resigned from their positions. Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri had previously discussed the possibility of United Torah Judaism joining an Eisenkot government in private conversations, noting that while they wouldn't recommend Netanyahu, Eisenkot's ability to deliver for them was uncertain due to the interests of figures like Lieberman and Bennett. However, Lieberman later indicated a willingness to compromise on the conscription law to form a government with the Haredim.