Shas Leaders Resolve Tensions Ahead of Election Campaign Launch

Shas chairman Aryeh Deri and Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef met on Thursday to resolve tensions between Shas representatives in the government and the party's Council of Torah Sages ahead of the party's election campaign launch. They agreed that Rabbi Yosef would be recognized as the successor to his father, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, but would not assume the presidency of the council. Additionally, Shas will demand the passage of a draft exemption law before joining the next coalition government.

The party is set to officially launch its election campaign at a activists' conference in Holon, with new billboards featuring a Psalm verse and imagery of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, the Western Wall, and the Israeli flag. Notably absent from the campaign visuals are current council members, including Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, reflecting ongoing internal disputes. To present unity, Rabbi Yosef has been invited to stand alongside Deri at the event.

Behind the scenes, disagreements persist, including Rabbi Yosef's recent praise of opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot, contrasting with Shas's loyalty to the right-wing bloc. Efforts to calm tensions included releasing a video of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef blessing IDF soldiers. Meanwhile, the United Torah Judaism alliance remains divided, with no joint campaign plans yet and ongoing disputes over list placements and campaign roles.

The Haredi parties face criticism for failing to secure key achievements during their current term, especially regarding military draft exemptions and the status of yeshiva students, leading to protests and arrests. New Haredi parties like "HaKahal" and "The Haredi Public" are emerging to challenge the established parties by appealing to voters who feel underrepresented. "The Haredi Public" is negotiating with former Shas leader Eli Yishai to join their campaign, which aims to represent working Haredim and plans a broad campaign ahead of the elections.