Aryeh Deri Seeks Reconciliation with Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef Ahead of Shas Campaign Launch

Tensions are rising within the Shas party as Chairman Aryeh Deri works to ease the rift with Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, son of the party's spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef and a prominent rabbinic figure. Ahead of the party's campaign launch, Deri is holding secret talks aimed at securing Rabbi Yosef's involvement in the election campaign and his endorsement to vote for Shas. In exchange, Rabbi Yosef demands veto power over political decisions affecting the rabbis and a principled commitment to meet with the opposition bloc led by former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, contingent on the passage of a suitable military draft law.

Additionally, Rabbi Yosef has requested changes to the frequency of the Council of Torah Sages meetings, proposing they convene every few weeks for decision-making instead of just once a year as currently practiced. A critical decision on these demands is expected in the coming days, which could significantly impact Shas's electoral strength amid disappointment among Rabbi Yosef's supporters toward Deri.

This internal conflict follows Deri's refusal to appoint Rabbi Yosef as President of the Council of Torah Sages and reflects the declining influence of the rabbis within Shas in recent years. Mediators involved in bridging the divide include former Minister Ariel Atias, Momo Deri (Aryeh Deri's brother), and Baruch Deri, Rabbi Yosef's son-in-law.