Shas Leader Arie Deri Resigns from Knesset, Remains Party Chairman

Alongside Deri, former MK Moshe Abutbul and candidate Dror Amos have also withdrawn from the Shas electoral list. Amos, a reserve lieutenant colonel, was placed sixth on the list to attract military voters, a strategy that did not succeed, while Abutbul was seventh. Their departures pave the way for Uriel Busso and Yossi Tayeb to enter the Knesset. The six remaining Shas representatives are scheduled to be sworn in on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.

Deri had initially considered resigning from the party leadership altogether due to the election losses, which saw a significant drop in votes, particularly in southern peripheral areas. However, the Shas Council of Torah Sages rejected his resignation and instructed him to remain as chairman. Deri, who is legally barred from serving as a government minister due to past corruption convictions, accepted their directive.

In his new role, Deri plans to conduct extensive nationwide tours to strengthen grassroots connections with activists and the public. He will also continue to convene weekly Shas faction meetings, guide its Knesset members, and oversee legislative work, with a focus on safeguarding Torah study and Israel's Jewish identity.