Shas Leaders Shift from Anti-Draft to Pro-Soldier Message in New Campaign

Following a reconciliation meeting between Shas chairman Aryeh Deri and Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, a joint message supporting IDF soldiers was issued, marking a significant shift from earlier calls to tear up military draft notices. Rabbi Yosef, who had previously urged Haredim to destroy conscription orders, now emphasized love for the soldiers and the entire Israeli nation, stating that Torah and the soldiers go hand in hand. He blessed the soldiers, calling them "messengers of the Holy One" tasked with protecting Israel, and expressed hope for peace and the soldiers' safe return.

This change reflects Shas's attempt to revive a more moderate, state-supportive image reminiscent of 2012 when Deri declared Shas a party of soldiers. The party's new campaign features Israeli flags alongside the Western Wall and a Psalm verse, aiming to soften past harsh rhetoric from its rabbis, especially Yosef, who had strongly opposed conscription in recent years.

Rabbi Yosef had publicly stated as recently as July 2024 that draft notices should be torn up and flushed down the toilet, recounting that his own grandson did so. The reconciliation came after tensions over Yosef's non-appointment as head of the Council of Torah Sages and political disagreements, with Deri aligned with Prime Minister Netanyahu and Yosef expressing support for opposition leader Gadi Eizenkot.

In recent days, Shas facilitated mediation meetings culminating in the campaign launch, with Deri visiting Yosef's home to affirm respect and unity. Agreements included recognizing Yosef as his father's spiritual successor, conditioning draft law legislation on government formation, and convening the council regularly. Deri expressed deep respect and sought Yosef's guidance to lead the party's representatives, signaling a united front ahead.