Shas Chairman Accepts Moetzet Directive to Remain in Leadership, Vows to Rebuild Party After Election Setback

Shas chairman Aryeh Deri announced Wednesday evening that he will remain at the helm of the party, accepting without reservation a directive from the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah that rejected his request to resign following the party’s disappointing performance in Israel’s Knesset elections.

In a statement issued hours after the Moetzet instructed him to continue serving as chairman, Deri emphasized his lifelong commitment to Daas Torah and declared that he would immediately begin working to strengthen the party and address the challenges facing the chareidi community.

“All my life, I was raised and educated to obey Daas Torah, and that is how I have acted throughout all my years of public service. We have also educated entire generations in this path,” Deri said.

“Therefore, when I received today the unequivocal instruction of the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah, I accept it without hesitation and without question,” he continued.

Deri also expressed his appreciation to the rabbonim for their continued confidence in his leadership.

“I thank the rabbonim of the Moetzet for the trust and support they have given me throughout the years,” he said.

The announcement brings an apparent end to speculation about Deri’s immediate political future following Shas’s electoral setback, which saw the party fall to six Knesset seats.

Earlier Wednesday, the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah convened to address Deri’s request to step down from the party leadership and withdraw from political life.

The rabbonim expressed sorrow over his request and determined that, given the serious challenges confronting the chareidi community, particularly the unresolved status of yeshiva bochurim and kollel yungeleit, Deri’s continued leadership was essential.

In their decision, the members of the Moetzet described the current political circumstances as requiring an experienced leader capable of navigating the difficult negotiations ahead.

“The most experienced general is needed to lead the campaign,” the rabbonim wrote, instructing Deri not to relinquish his position.

Their directive reflected the importance they placed on maintaining experienced political leadership as Israel enters a period of uncertainty over the formation of its next government and the future of legislation concerning Torah learners.

Deri’s response made clear that he would not challenge the decision and would instead resume his responsibilities immediately.

As his first step, he announced plans to convene a special meeting Thursday with Shas Knesset members and senior party representatives serving in local government.

“Tomorrow, with Hashem’s help, I will convene a faction meeting with the party’s Knesset members and our senior representatives in local authorities, so that we can roll up our sleeves, learn lessons, and move the movement forward,” Deri said.

The planned meeting is expected to focus on evaluating the party’s election performance and determining how Shas can strengthen its political standing while continuing to advance the priorities established by the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah.

Deri’s decision comes as Shas faces significant political challenges following the election, including the need to rebuild voter confidence and secure legislation addressing the status of yeshiva students.

Despite its electoral losses, Shas has maintained its support for Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, formally recommending him to President Isaac Herzog on Wednesday to receive the mandate to form the next government.

The party’s position contrasts with that of the main factions of United Torah Judaism, which have announced that they will refrain from recommending any candidate at this stage.

For Shas, the immediate priority now appears to be restoring stability within its leadership and preparing for the political battles ahead.

With Deri’s resignation request rejected and his commitment to remain in office publicly reaffirmed, the party is moving forward under the same leadership that has guided it for much of its political history.