Eli Yishai Reemerges as Political Challenger to Aryeh Deri in Haredi Sector

Eli Yishai, former leader of the Shas party, is once again positioning himself as a political contender within the Haredi community by engaging in ongoing talks with the "Haredi Public" party. These discussions, led by Haredi Public chairman Moti Leitner, have intensified over recent days, involving multiple meetings and consultations with senior rabbis. The talks aim to explore potential political cooperation or possibly Yishai joining the party.

According to insiders, the initial meeting between Yishai and Leitner was significant, focusing on bridging the party's target constituencies with Yishai's extensive public and political experience. While the talks remain inconclusive, the involvement of prominent rabbis and the frequency of meetings indicate serious consideration of a partnership.

Concurrently, the Haredi Public party commissioned surveys to assess Yishai's political standing and popularity within the Haredi sector. The results, revealed for the first time, show Yishai enjoys substantial support, even surpassing current Shas leader Aryeh Deri in certain measures. Among the modern Haredi public, Yishai's approval rating exceeds 70%, suggesting a strong potential political base if he decides to reenter the political arena.

Though no final decisions have been announced, the possibility of Yishai aligning with Haredi Public poses a significant challenge to Shas ahead of upcoming elections. If successful, Yishai could attract voters traditionally loyal to Shas, potentially reshaping the Haredi political landscape. Both parties currently maintain a cautious stance, avoiding definitive statements about the outcome of their negotiations.