Shas Faces Backlash Over Rabbi's Incendiary Speech Against IDF Chief

The Shas party is embroiled in controversy following a provocative speech by Rabbi Aryeh Yazdi, who harshly criticized IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir during a rally in Bnei Brak. Yazdi called Zamir "accursed" and declared "may his name be erased," sparking widespread condemnation from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the President, Defense Minister, opposition leaders, and other political figures. Despite public denunciations, including a formal letter from Shas's senior rabbi Moshe Maya condemning Yazdi's remarks, it emerged that behind the scenes some Shas officials expressed support for the rabbi's statements.

The rally, attended by Shas MKs Moshe Abutbul, Yoni Mashriki, Yoav Ben-Tzur, and Michael Malchieli, intensified internal party tensions. Reports revealed that Shas chairman Aryeh Deri attempted to prevent the protest, fearing negative slogans and chants against him, particularly with the anticipated presence of Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, a key Shas figure. Deri reportedly sent emissaries to organizers urging cancellation to avoid political fallout.

The episode has stirred significant political uproar, highlighting divisions within Shas between public condemnation and private backing of the rabbi's incendiary rhetoric. Netanyahu demanded an official denunciation from Deri, who complied with a public letter but simultaneously sent a personal note to Yazdi expressing sympathy for his "anguish over yeshiva students being arrested" and shock at criticism directed at him. The controversy underscores ongoing challenges in balancing party loyalty, religious authority, and political responsibility within Shas.