Shas Party Faces Decline as Aryeh Deri Seeks Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef's Leadership

Shas, once a dominant force in Israeli politics and known as the party of soldiers, is experiencing a significant decline in influence and voter support. Aryeh Deri, the longtime leader of Shas, has recently been seen pleading with Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, son of the party's founder Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, to take over leadership in hopes of halting the party's loss of seats ahead of upcoming elections. Despite this, Deri remains unpopular among many of Shas's traditional voters, who accuse him of failing to fight for their interests, especially regarding the controversial exemption from military service for ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students.

Shas originally positioned itself as a bridge between religious and secular communities, advocating for social and ethnic equality for Mizrahi Jews in Israel. Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, the spiritual leader, was known for his pragmatic approach to integrating religious life with the Israeli state. However, after his death, the party shifted towards a more hardline stance, influenced by new rabbis aligned with Ashkenazi yeshiva traditions, which has alienated some supporters. The party's opposition to military conscription reforms and its defense of yeshiva students' exemptions have intensified tensions with broader Israeli society and the judiciary.

The internal dynamics of Shas have also changed, with Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef emerging as a rival power center challenging Deri's leadership. Their disagreements, particularly over military conscription policies, have deepened divisions within the party. Additionally, two moderate Shas members of Knesset recently left, signaling further internal fractures. Despite these challenges, Shas remains closely allied with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, although some party figures consider potential cooperation with other political leaders like Gadi Eizenkot.

Aryeh Deri's personal and political influence is under scrutiny, with some analysts viewing him as a liability in the current political climate. The party's election campaign notably features only the image of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, omitting Deri's photo. This reflects the party's struggle to reconcile its historical identity with present realities. As Shas enters the election season with low poll numbers, its future as a major political player in Israel remains uncertain.