Aryeh Deri Withdraws From Knesset But Retains Shas Leadership

Aryeh Deri, chairman of the ultra-Orthodox Shas party, announced Sunday that he will not serve in the 26th Knesset. The decision follows a significant electoral defeat in October, where Shas secured only six seats, down from 11, marking the party's worst performance in more than two decades.

While Deri is relinquishing his parliamentary seat to focus on rebuilding grassroots support across Israel, he will remain party chairman. This follows a directive from the Council of Torah Sages, the party's highest religious authority, which rejected Deri's initial request to resign from the leadership role.

Two other candidates, Moshe Abutbul and Dror Amos, also withdrew from the party list. Amos, an IDF reserve major, had been recruited to broaden the party's appeal regarding military service. These resignations allow Uriel Buso and Yosef Taieb to enter the Knesset.

Shas has categorically rejected joining a potential government led by Gadi Eisenkot. The party stated it remains part of the right-wing bloc, emphasizing its commitment to the Torah and Jewish tradition.