Shas MKs Consult Senior Rabbonim on Next Prime Minister and Possible Knesset Speaker Shakeup

Senior Shas lawmakers began a series of consultations with the party’s leading rabbonim Monday evening to determine whom the party will recommend to President Isaac Herzog to form Israel’s next government, with discussions also expected to address the possibility of replacing the Knesset speaker. Notably, Shas chairman Aryeh Deri did not participate in the visits.

The consultations mark the first formal meetings between Shas representatives and the party’s senior spiritual leadership since the results of last week’s Knesset elections were announced, as political parties prepare to submit their recommendations to the president regarding the formation of the next coalition.

Shas MKs Michael Malkieli and Yinon Azoulay visited the home of Harav Moshe Maya, the senior member of the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah, to seek his guidance on the party’s position ahead of the presidential consultations.

Among the issues expected to be discussed is the identity of the candidate Shas will support for prime minister, a decision that could carry considerable weight as the various political factions maneuver to determine who will receive the mandate to establish a government.

Another matter reportedly under consideration is whether Shas should support replacing the current Knesset speaker, a potentially significant move as negotiations begin over the leadership and composition of the next Knesset.

Following their meeting with Rav Maya, the Shas representatives were scheduled to visit Harav Yitzchak Yosef, the party’s spiritual leader, as well as additional members of the Moetzes Chachmei HaTorah, before a final decision is announced.

The absence of Deri, who has long served as the dominant political figure within Shas, drew attention as the party embarked on discussions concerning some of the most consequential decisions of the post-election period. No explanation for his absence was provided in the report.

An official statement issued following the initial visit confirmed that the party’s representatives were seeking guidance from the rabbinic leadership before making any formal recommendation to the president.

“Shas Knesset members Michael Malkieli and Yinon Azoulay entered the residence of the senior member of the Council of Torah Sages, Maran Hagaon Harav Moshe Maya, this evening for consultation and to receive his guidance regarding the Shas faction’s recommendation to the president on the candidate to form the government. They will subsequently consult with the remaining members of the Council of Torah Sages, after which the Council’s decision will be announced,” the statement said.