Shas Leader Endorses Gadi Eizenkot Over Netanyahu for Prime Minister

For the first time in about thirty years, Shas, the largest ultra-Orthodox party in Israel, has officially expressed willingness to support a prime ministerial candidate other than Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu. In a private conversation on Saturday night, Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, the Sephardic Chief Rabbi and president of Shas' Council of Torah Sages, praised Gadi Eizenkot, leader of the Yisrael party and former IDF Chief of Staff, as a trustworthy and warm Jew who respects Torah scholars. Rabbi Yosef indicated that Shas might back Eizenkot in the upcoming elections, stating, "We can go with him in the next elections, we can support him as the next prime minister." He also revealed plans to make this position public closer to the election date.

Rabbi Yosef sharply criticized Netanyahu, calling him a liar and untrustworthy, accusing him of deceiving the ultra-Orthodox community regarding the military conscription law. He expressed hope that the Ashkenazi ultra-Orthodox party United Torah Judaism would join Shas in supporting Eizenkot, aiming to form a unified ultra-Orthodox front against Likud.

Responding to the endorsement in a radio interview, Gadi Eizenkot welcomed the support but firmly stated he would not compromise on his principles, particularly regarding the conscription law. He emphasized, "We will not make compromises on the conscription law, even if it means going to another election." This stance signals his commitment to maintaining his policy positions despite political pressures.

This development marks a significant shift in ultra-Orthodox political alignment, potentially reshaping the coalition dynamics ahead of Israel's next national elections.