Shas MK Yaakov Margi Declares Retirement, Urges Reluctant Conscripts to 'Die'

Shas Member of Knesset Yaakov Margi announced in a Tuesday interview on Kan Hadashot that those who shout 'we will die and not enlist' should indeed 'die' if they refuse to serve. Margi emphasized the urgency of military conscription, stating that the Torah study law was intended to signal to Israeli judges to consider Torah values in their rulings. He argued that if it were up to him, there would be no special exemptions and all non-students would be drafted immediately. Margi stressed that salvation will not come from rabbis or political leadership but through conscripting the 6,000 soldiers currently needed by the army.

About two months ago, it was reported that Margi would not run in the upcoming Knesset elections. Former Interior Minister Moshe Arbel also announced his retirement from politics for personal reasons. Margi confirmed he does not intend to appear on the next election list but clarified he is not leaving Shas. He said he recently spoke with Shas leader Aryeh Deri, who asked him to delay his final decision. Margi affirmed his loyalty to Shas, calling it his home and pledging to serve any role assigned by the Council of Torah Sages and Deri with dedication.

Margi has served as a Shas MK since 2003, holding positions such as chairman of the Education Committee and the Finance Committee. He was previously Minister of Religious Services and served as Welfare Minister until resigning in July 2025 along with other Shas ministers amid the controversy over the exemption from military service law.