Aryeh Deri Uses Media to Address Pressures Within Ultra-Orthodox Community Amid Political Challenges

Aryeh Deri, leader of the Shas party, has long harbored a deep aversion to the media, stemming from his early political career when he felt relentlessly pursued by journalists scrutinizing him, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, and Shas. Over the years, this evolved into fatigue and indifference toward daily media coverage. Despite this, Deri recognizes the media's power and selectively engages with it, primarily during elections or following significant military operations, focusing on national security issues rather than internal religious affairs.

In recent weeks, however, Deri has markedly increased his media presence, issuing near-daily responses, videos, and well-designed flyers. This shift is not due to renewed affection for the press but rather a response to intense pressure from the ultra-Orthodox base. The community demands tangible achievements, especially after nearly four years in government marked by arrests of draft dodgers, budget cuts, and a sense of heavy costs borne by the ultra-Orthodox sector.

Despite widespread understanding among parliamentary advisors and legal experts that the Basic Law to freeze draft dodger arrests would likely be struck down by the Supreme Court, Deri and other ultra-Orthodox leaders pushed it through to demonstrate action to their constituents. This legislative effort, alongside the Basic Law on Torah Study, was intended to show some form of accomplishment, even if its legal viability was doubtful.

The ultra-Orthodox community, focused on practical results rather than political or judicial debates, expects clear benefits from their political representatives. Deri and his colleagues face the challenge of explaining why, after years in the coalition, promised gains remain limited. Their recent media campaign, unusual for its intensity, signals distress rather than strength. Ultimately, Deri has closed the door on alternative political alliances, reaffirming his commitment to the current coalition despite its difficulties.