Shas Chairman Arie Deri to Resign Knesset Seat, Remain Party Leader

Shas party chairman Arie Deri has decided to continue in his role as party leader but will resign his seat in the Knesset, according to a source within the party speaking to N12. The decision follows a directive from the Council of Torah Sages, the party's supreme religious authority, which urged him to remain as chairman. Deri met with Rabbi Moshe Maya, the dean of the Council of Torah Sages, who instructed him not to step down from the party leadership. Shas's spiritual leader, Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, also requested that Deri not resign.

The Council of Torah Sages officially announced its support for Deri, forbidding him from leaving his position as chairman. This development comes after a week where Shas has been operating without Deri's direct involvement in day-to-day management, a situation described by party insiders as unprecedented. Knesset members Yinon Azulai and Michael Malchieli, ranked second and third on the party's list, had reportedly consulted with Rabbi Maya without Deri's presence.

Earlier on Wednesday, Shas representatives, excluding Deri, met with President Isaac Herzog as part of consultations for forming a new government. They informed the president that Shas recommends Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the mandate to form the government. Knesset Member Michael Malchieli also stated to President Herzog that "Shas has never opposed a unity government."