Shas Council of Torah Sages Finalizes Knesset List Amidst Political Shifts

The Shas party convened its Council of Torah Sages in Jerusalem on Sunday, September 10th, to finalize its candidate list for the upcoming 26th Knesset elections. The meeting, led by Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef and attended by party chairman Aryeh Deri, aimed to lock in the party's slate amidst political turbulence in the Haredi sector.

Contrary to earlier rumors of significant dismissals, the sages opted for stability, deciding not to remove any incumbent Knesset members. This decision was made to maintain internal unity ahead of the crucial elections. However, internal adjustments to the order and positions of current MKs are expected.

Deri presented several new candidates to refresh the party's image and appeal to broader demographics. Among those approved in principle were Rabbi Yosef Elnatanov, representing the Bukharan community, and Lt. Col. (res.) Dror David Amos, a Haifa religious council official with a military background. Amos's inclusion signals an effort to attract religious-traditional and periphery voters, including those serving in the security forces.

The final, official list with precise placements will be submitted for the rabbis' final approval by Tuesday, just hours before the deadline for submitting lists to the Central Elections Committee. Shas expressed satisfaction with the respectful and unified atmosphere of the council meeting, expressing confidence that the finalized list will resonate with voters.