Aryeh Deri Faces Internal Challenge Ahead of Shas Party Elections

With two months remaining until Israel's 2026 elections, Shas, the ultra-Orthodox Sephardic party, is experiencing unprecedented internal tensions. Since its founding about 40 years ago, Shas has been characterized by strong unity and loyalty to its rabbis and party leader. However, recent developments suggest this cohesion is fracturing. A public dispute has emerged between Aryeh Deri, the longstanding party leader, and Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, a prominent religious authority within the party. This conflict has spilled into the public sphere, raising concerns about potential rebellion within the party ranks. The coming weeks will test Shas's ability to manage this internal discord and maintain its traditional solidarity ahead of the elections.