Eli Yishai Considers Political Comeback with New Haredi Party Ahead of Elections

Eli Yishai, former leader of the Shas party, is reportedly considering a return to politics and plans to run in the upcoming elections. According to a report by Channel 12 on Wednesday, Yishai is in talks with the new Haredi party "The Haredi Public," with several meetings already held between the sides. Yishai led Shas for 14 years before leaving the party in 2013. This time, he is exploring a comeback through a party that primarily targets working Haredi voters.

The Haredi Public party supports IDF enlistment for those not studying Torah and advocates for advancing the state-recognized Haredi education system. The party is also considering appealing to disillusioned Shas supporters amid Shas's declining poll numbers. The discussions with Yishai reflect differences between his positions and the current Shas platform, especially on conscription and other issues.

It remains unclear what role Yishai would hold if he joins the new party and runs in the elections. This would not be Yishai's first attempt outside Shas; in 2015, he ran independently but failed to cross the electoral threshold despite receiving about 125,000 votes. Internal polls reportedly show support for integrating Yishai into the new political initiative, but no final agreement or decision has been made. Both Yishai and representatives of The Haredi Public declined to comment on the report.