Shas Leader Aryeh Deri Rejects Supreme Court Authority, Criticizes IDF Chief and Election Opponents

In a fiery exclusive interview with Yishai Cohen on Kikar HaShabbat, Shas chairman Aryeh Deri broke his long silence to deliver a series of sharp critiques on Israel's political and judicial landscape. Deri declared he does not recognize the authority of the Supreme Court, calling the ongoing High Court hearings on the draft law a "judicial show" and urged his ultra-Orthodox allies not to participate in legal appeals against the law, labeling the process a predetermined game.

Deri launched a frontal attack on IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi, accusing him of attempting to aid the left-wing bloc during election season by warning against the draft law. He revealed a dramatic threat he received from Professor Uriel Reichman during the judicial reform turmoil, warning that ultra-Orthodox support for the right-wing coalition would end the era of "Yavneh and its sages," a metaphor for the community's protected status.

Addressing internal ultra-Orthodox politics, Deri blamed left-wing and "Kaplanists" for funding campaigns aimed at dividing rabbinical leadership and suppressing voter turnout in the Haredi sector. He dismissed criticism from Agudat Yisrael and reaffirmed unequivocal support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasizing there is no alternative for the ultra-Orthodox community. Deri also criticized Gadi Eizenkot's draft plan as more dangerous to Torah study than those of Bennett or Lieberman, warning against quotas and external decisions on yeshiva students.

On security matters, Deri condemned recent leaks about Mossad's alleged contacts with former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, calling it a severe breach of national security amid ongoing conflict. He also expressed disappointment over the U.S. administration's handling of Iran regime change efforts but maintained faith in divine providence.

Deri addressed the delay in legislation regulating yeshiva students' draft status, blaming political infighting and the military establishment's opposition. He defended the draft detention law he initiated and accused the IDF chief of undermining the government and the army by engaging in political maneuvering. Deri concluded by downplaying Shas's recent poll declines, attributing them to external efforts to weaken the party and vowing to continue working with coalition partners despite occasional tensions.