Shas

As he pushes for ultra-Orthodox draft, Moti Leitner aims to put the Haredi Public on a new path

POLITICAL AFFAIRS: Moti Leitner, head of the new Haredi Public Party, wants to encourage mandatory service and introduce core curriculum studies in ultra-Orthodox schools.

MOTI LEITNER, deputy mayor of Beit Shemesh and founder of the Haredi Public Party, at the ‘Jerusalem Post’ studio this week. Leitner argues that ‘those who aren’t studying must take responsibility’ by serving in the IDF or doing national service, while preserving full-time Torah study for select few
Israel Police vehicles; illustrative.

Police complete HaDerech probe involving Shas MK Haim Biton

Chairman of the “Together” party and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett speaks during a press conference at the Knesset in Jerusalem, May 20, 2026.

Bennett losing ground as Eisenkot, Netanyahu neck-and-neck for upcoming elections - poll

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a Knesset vote, July 16, 2026.

Netanyahu's Likud falls to lowest position since June 2025 as Eisenkot reaches new heights - poll


Families of Oct. 7 victims blast Arye Deri for saying Hamas massacre ‘saved Israel’

The October Council, an NGO that represents over 1,500 families of victims called Deri’s comments a “slap in the face.”

Shas chairman Arye Deri.

Ron Dermer is 'God’s messenger,' Shas chairman Arye Deri claims after joint Iran strikes

Speaking to Channel 14’s Yinon Magal, Deri noted that if the government had been dissolved the night before Israel struck Iran, President Trump might not have agreed to join.

Shas faction leader MK Arye Deri seen outside the party offices in Jerusalem, June 4, 2025

Haredi draft dilemma: Religious exemption from IDF will bring down the government

With a majority of Israelis calling for public change, haredi exemption from the IDF is no longer just a legal debate, but a question of Israel’s survival.

 Ultra-Orthodox Jews clash with police during a protest against the drafting of ultra orthodox jews to the Israeli army, on road 4 near Bnei Brak, June 5, 2025.

Much ado about nothing: Coalition remains standing as core issues remain unsolved - analysis

The week culminated with an agreement between Shas, Degel Hatorah, Knesset legal advisers, and committees, and an ensuing failed attempt by the opposition to disperse the Knesset.

 A haredi (ultra-Orthodox) Jewish man holds a placard next to a police horse as he takes part in a protest against pressure to conscript into the military in Bnei Brak, Israel, June 5, 2025. The words in Hebrew read "We will not enlist in the enemy army."

Shas still trying to reach coalition agreement, rabbis' council head says

This comes after Rabbi Maya signed a letter on Monday opposing the conscription of any haredi individual, even those not studying in a yeshiva.

 Rabbi Moshe Maya speaks during a rally which marks one year since the death of Rabbi Shimon Hirari in Tel Aviv on February 28, 2016.

Israel Police arrest suspect in arson attack on Jerusalem synagogue

Shas spiritual leader and former chief rabbi Yitzhak Yosef's home synagogue was set ablaze early Sunday morning.

 Head of Shas party Aryeh Deri and Shas spiritual leader Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef visit at the scene of suspected arson and vandalism at a Jerusalem synagogue which is often frequented by Rabbi Yosef, June 8, 2025.

Road to elections? Shas, Degel Hatorah will vote to dissolve Knesset, parties say

"The ultra-Orthodox public feels persecuted by the Likud and [MK Yuli] Edelstein," the Shas spokesperson said.

Shas faction leader MK Arye Deri seen outside the party offices in Jerusalem, June 4, 2025

Leading rabbi to instruct ultra-Orthodox faction to exit Netanyahu's coalition

Haredi leader hints at coalition exit over IDF draft bill delays, potentially collapsing the government.

 Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch, pictured in 2014.

Shas ministers will support any deal that will bring home hostages, Ben-Tzur says

The remarks were noteworthy, as they contradicted those of other ministers and of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said that the ultimate goal of the war was victory over Hamas.

 Minister of Labour Yoav Ben Tzur at a presentation of the Poverty report for 2024, provided by National Insurance Institute, in Jerusalem, December 18, 2024.

Shas MK tiebreaking vote to extend reservist emergency call-ups

Shas MK Yinon Azulay cast the deciding vote to extend emergency IDF draft powers, sparking backlash over unclear war plans and coalition infighting.

 IDF soldiers operate in Deir el-Balah, Gaza Strip, May 8, 2025.