Aryeh Deri, chairman of the Shas party, called for the unification of all right-wing factions into a single large bloc. He also denied that Shas has sought to advance a law exempting Haredim from military service, stating 'they identified that the Haredim are Netanyahu's soft underbelly.'
Aryeh Deri, the long-standing chairman of the Shas party, made the remarks in what appears to be a media appearance, calling for consolidation of the right-wing political camp. 'As far as I'm concerned, let all the parties unite into one big bloc,' Deri said.
Addressing the sensitive issue of Haredi military service, Deri pushed back against claims that Shas has promoted legislation to exempt yeshiva students. 'We never tried to advance a law for non-service in the army,' he said. 'They identified that the Haredim are Netanyahu's soft underbelly.'
The comments come amid ongoing coalition negotiations and public debate over the Haredi draft, with right-wing parties exploring potential mergers ahead of the next election cycle. Deri's denial of a draft-exemption bill aligns with Shas's official position that it supports a framework for Torah study rather than blanket exemption, though critics argue the party's legislative efforts effectively achieve the same goal.
- StrongRabbi Yosef instructs Deri to back all coalition bills, including broadcast law, to secure Haredi draft exemptions
- DevelopingSenior Agudat Yisrael figure accuses Aryeh Deri of knowingly promoting futile draft law for personal campaign
- DevelopingDeri: Right-wing bloc will remain united after vote, opposition petition to High Court aims to split the people
- DevelopingShas chairman Aryeh Deri meets with Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef amid tensions in party leadership
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