Shas

Likud, Netanyahu dropping in public eyes amid Iran war, contentious legislation - poll

This is Likud’s lowest figure since August 2025, when it received 21 seats in a Maariv poll. However, the coalition bloc maintained its strength from last week at 50 seats.

|ByMOSHE COHEN
A LIKUD supporter waves the party’s flag at a gathering, a show of grassroots loyalty which has long defined the movement, even as critics say its primaries have reshaped, and at times distorted, who rises within its ranks.
MK Tally Gotliv and and MK Ofir Katz attend a House committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem on, June 9, 2026.

Knesset advances bill to enshrine Torah study into Basic Law, supporting haredi draft evaders

It proposes that the State of Israel "recognize those who commit themselves to long-term dedication to Torah study as performing significant service to the state and the Jewish people."

|ByKESHET NEEV
Israel’s ultra-Orthodox Jewish sector has been protesting over the attempts to draft young haredi men into the military.

Shas pushes tone-deaf Torah study law while soldiers die in Lebanon, Gaza - comment

Those who see Torah study as essential should acknowledge the unique burden borne by those who leave their lives behind to defend the country, and that yeshiva study is not a comparable sacrifice.

|ByHERB KEINON
SHAS PARTY leader Arye Deri visits military prison expressing support for draft evaders, Sunday, June 7, 2026.

Deri says Shas supports draft evaders during prison visit, calls to add Torah study to Basic Law

The visit was made to the Neve Tzedek Military Prison, and Deri was accompanied by other lawmakers from his party, including MK Michael Malkieli and Haim Biton.

|ByKESHET NEEV

Reality check: Ultra-Orthodox rabbis are leading their flock to a historic dead end - opinion

MIDDLE ISRAEL: In their wartime conduct, the ultra-orthodox rabbis show a lack of commitment and a real disconnection with reality.

JULY 18, 2025ByAMOTZ ASA-EL
"We are at war. Join it! Fully, immediately, to the last of you, like everyone else," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not tell Shas leader Arye Deri.

Israel's post-holiday politics: Will Netanyahu take a political hit to keep coalition intact?

NATIONAL AFFAIRS: With Shas out of the government, Netanyahu faces a decision between taking a hit to maintain the coalition or preparing for the upcoming elections.

JULY 18, 2025ByHERB KEINON
Even as Shas followed United Torah Judaism’s lead and declared on Wednesday it was leaving the government, it did so with a major caveat: ‘We are leaving the government, but we are not quitting the coalition.’ Here, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sits alongside Shas chairman Arye Deri in 2023.

'My conscience is clear': Why MK Yuli Edelstein won't settle for a soft haredi draft - interview

"This law ends the phenomenon of pretending to study Torah. To me, that’s a disgrace to the world of Torah," Edelstein told Maariv.

JULY 18, 2025ByANNA BARSKY
Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee MK Yuli Edelstein speaks at the Muni Expo 2025 conference in Tel Aviv, on July 15, 2025.

Deri to remain in Netanyahu's security cabinet, Shas's Arbel rescinds resignation

Arye Deri to remain in Netanyahu's security cabinet, despite Shas leaving government • Interior Minister Moshe Arbel to stay in role to complete 'urgent tasks'

JULY 17, 2025ByELIAV BREUER
ARYE DERI is escorted outside his home in Jerusalem on Wednesday.

Israeli gov't no longer has mandate to avoid October 7 state probe, bereaved parents say

“A government that has lost its majority has no mandate to erase the October 7 massacre and bury the truth,” the families concluded.

JULY 17, 2025ByELIAV BREUER
Families of Israelis held hostage in the Gaza Strip and activists protest at the Knesset, in Jerusalem, May 5, 2025

Knesset election dynamics largely unchanged despite Shas, UTJ leaving gov't, N12 poll finds

Israel's Channel 12 conducted a poll on general election scenarios following the Sephardi-haredi Shas Party's Wednesday announcement that they are leaving the coalition.

JULY 16, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir at a Knesset debate, July 14, 2025; illustrative.

Lapid calls Netanyahu's gov't 'illegitimate' following Shas's exit from coalition

Israeli officials react to Shas's decision to exit Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.

JULY 16, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Head of opposition and head of the Yesh Atid party MK Yair Lapid leads a faction meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on June 30, 2025.

Shas spiritual leaders order party members to quit government

Shas's leaders directed MKs not to topple the government, though their decision shrinks Netanyahu's coalition to 29 MKs.

JULY 16, 2025ByELIAV BREUER, JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Head of Shas party Arye Deri, June 8, 2025.

Trump hints at 'good news' regarding Gaza as Israel shows flexibility in hostage talks

Sirens by Dead Sea after Houthi missile launch • Shas exits Netanyahu's gov't,• Syrian Druze leaders reach ceasefire in Sweida • Israel's Druze community infiltrates Syria •

JULY 16, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Demonstrators protest for the release of Israelis held hostage in the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, July 2, 2025

Netanyahu offers to fire Edelstein for haredi parties staying in coalition

Edelstein called on haredi politicians to exhibit “national responsibility” and refrain from toppling the government over their insistence to exempt at least half of eligible haredim from IDF draft.

JULY 15, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Shas head Arye Deri is seen in the plenum of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, July 14, 2025