Shas Leader Aryeh Deri Accuses Ultra-Orthodox of Undermining Right-Wing Bloc

At the Shas party's election campaign launch in Holon, party chairman Aryeh Deri sharply criticized elements within the ultra-Orthodox community, accusing them of collaborating with left-wing forces over the past two years to weaken the right-wing bloc. Speaking before around 500 party members, representatives, and activists, alongside former Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, Deri claimed these actors operated under a religious guise to harm Shas and ultra-Orthodox education. "People from within the ultra-Orthodox community have betrayed the path of the Torah," Deri said, alleging significant left-wing funding aimed at toppling the right-wing alliance while cloaked in ultra-Orthodox slogans.

Deri warned against internal attempts to damage the ultra-Orthodox community and urged supporters not to fall into political traps set by opponents. He also downplayed the importance of pre-election polls, emphasizing Shas's historical strength at the ballot box beyond expectations. Earlier in the event, Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef highlighted the dedication of his late father, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, to yeshiva students and stressed that the contentious issue of yeshiva conscription would be addressed after the elections. He underscored that a strong political showing by Shas is essential to effect the necessary changes.