Three Shas Members in Kiryat Gat Defect to Achi Party Ahead of Elections

Three members of the Shas party list in Kiryat Gat announced their resignation from Shas and declared their support for the Achi party, led by Rabbi Avragi, which is running in the upcoming Knesset elections. The defectors include two city council members representing Shas, Ofer Reuven and Shlomi Batito, as well as list member Attorney Nissim Shai Almakias. This announcement was made publicly during an event in Kiryat Gat and reported by Israel Hayom.

Achi party leader Rabbi Yuval Elimelech described this move as part of a broader wave of changes among activists traditionally affiliated with Shas. He attributed the defections to Shas's alliance with Ashkenazi Haredi parties opposing IDF conscription, calling this stance "the straw that broke the camel's back." Rabbi Elimelech emphasized that Achi promotes a fundamentally different ideological line, openly supporting the conscription of all individuals not studying in yeshiva.

He further noted that the recent polling decline of Shas reflects this trend, with many activists feeling alienated and choosing to join Achi. This development represents a significant political blow to Shas leader Aryeh Deri ahead of the elections.