Former Shas Leader Eli Yishai Meets Ex-IDF Chief Gadi Eizenkot Amid Political Moves

Former Shas chairman Eli Yishai recently met with Gadi Eizenkot, head of the new party Yisrael! The meeting took place at the party's offices and was described by Eizenkot's circle as part of an effort to understand Shas's electorate and attract votes from the faction that serves in the military. Yisrael! emphasized that Yishai was not offered a spot on their electoral list. The discussion reportedly touched on issues such as state education.

Yishai, however, presented a different account, stating that he meets many politicians and that he and Eizenkot are old acquaintances. He said their meeting aimed to lower the political tensions ahead of the elections. When asked if he plans to join any political framework, Yishai declined to comment.

Earlier this month, it was reported that Yishai is considering an alliance with the new ultra-Orthodox party "The Haredi Public," which advocates for the genuine enlistment of Haredim who do not study Torah and seeks to represent working Haredim. Several meetings have been held between Yishai and members of this party, and a joint run is being seriously considered. This move aims to appeal to disillusioned Shas voters dissatisfied with the party's current leadership, as reflected in recent polls.