Aryeh Deri Faces Decline as Shas Struggles to Regain Influence Ahead of Elections

Once a dominant figure in Israeli politics, Aryeh Deri, leader of the ultra-Orthodox Sephardic party Shas, is now grappling with a significant loss of support and internal challenges. Deri recently appealed to Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, son of Shas founder Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, to lead the party in hopes of stemming the party’s decline, but it remains uncertain if this will reverse their fortunes. Shas, which peaked at 17 Knesset seats in 1999, now faces poor poll numbers and criticism from its traditional voter base, particularly over its stance on military conscription exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews.

Critics within the Sephardic community accuse Deri of failing to fight for their interests, especially regarding the controversial exemption from army service, a key issue for the party’s supporters. Former advisor Barak Seri noted that many voters are disillusioned with Shas’s role in defending draft exemptions, which has alienated both secular and traditional voters. Journalist Merav Alma Sever described the party as having shifted from a socially inclusive bridge to an extreme ultra-Orthodox faction, with Deri using it to pursue personal political ambitions.

Shas was originally founded by Rabbi Ovadia Yosef as a party representing Sephardic Jews and bridging religious and secular divides, emphasizing social and ethnic equality within the ultra-Orthodox community. However, after Rabbi Ovadia’s death, the party’s leadership took a harder line on conscription and became more insular. The party’s internal council now includes rabbis influenced by Ashkenazi ultra-Orthodox yeshiva culture, leading to a more rigid stance and defensive posture against state pressures.

The expiration of the historic draft exemption for yeshiva students and subsequent legal rulings have intensified tensions, with Shas unable to secure a new agreement. This has resulted in sanctions and increased legal risks for draft dodgers, further straining the party’s relationship with its base. The party’s image suffered when Deri expressed pride in his grandchildren who avoid military service, sparking public outrage.

Within Shas, a power struggle has emerged between Deri and Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, who criticizes Deri’s close ties to Prime Minister Netanyahu and questions his effectiveness. Some party members are open to alternative political alliances, including with former military chief Gadi Eizenkot, reflecting uncertainty about Shas’s future direction. Ahead of upcoming elections, Shas is campaigning with Rabbi Ovadia’s image prominently featured, while Deri’s presence is notably absent, signaling his controversial status.

Political analysts suggest Deri may now be more of a liability than an asset for Shas, with some believing that a different leader could attract more votes. Despite this, close associates argue that Deri and Shas are inseparable, underscoring the complex dynamics within the party as it seeks to regain relevance in Israeli politics.