Shas Rabbi Isaac Yosef Backs Gadi Eizenkot Over Netanyahu, Calls PM a Liar

Rabbi Isaac Yosef, a senior spiritual leader of the Shas party and member of the Council of Torah Sages, signaled a potential political shift by expressing support for Gadi Eizenkot as the preferred candidate for prime minister instead of Benjamin Netanyahu. In a closed conversation reported on July 12, 2026, Rabbi Yosef criticized Netanyahu sharply, calling him a liar who deceived the ultra-Orthodox community regarding the military draft law. He stated, "Netanyahu tricked us on the draft law, we cannot trust him," and described Eizenkot as "a good man, a warm Jew who loves Torah scholars." Rabbi Yosef also expressed hope that the allied party Yahadut HaTorah would join this political move to dismantle the Netanyahu bloc.

Eizenkot responded to Rabbi Yosef’s comments by affirming a firm stance on the draft exemption issue, saying, "We will not compromise on the draft exemption law, even at the cost of new elections." Rabbi Yosef indicated he might publicly endorse Eizenkot closer to the elections, emphasizing Eizenkot’s familial ties to Shas supporters and his suitability for leadership.

This development follows a series of harsh criticisms from Rabbi Yosef against Netanyahu over the past year, including labeling Netanyahu an atheist and accusing him of misleading the public and religious communities. Rabbi Yosef previously stated there was no chance Netanyahu would repent, but suggested Eizenkot might. The tensions highlight ongoing friction within Israel’s religious political factions ahead of upcoming elections.

Rabbi Yosef’s remarks mark a significant challenge to Netanyahu’s leadership within the ultra-Orthodox political sphere, potentially reshaping alliances and electoral strategies. Eizenkot’s firm position on the draft exemption law signals that this issue remains a critical and divisive topic in Israeli politics.