Parties finalize Knesset slates before deadline as Gantz’s Blue and White runs alone despite polls

Shas released its candidate list for the 26th Knesset, keeping most of its parliamentary core intact while promoting Yinon Azoulay to second place and adding Lt.-Col. (Res.) Dror Amos in the sixth spot. The slate reflects internal debates over leadership changes and strategic positioning ahead of elections dominated by ultra-Orthodox conscription. Other parties also finalized their slates as the deadline approached.

Shas released its candidate list for the 26th Knesset on Tuesday, following days of internal debate over major changes to its parliamentary lineup. Party leader Aryeh Deri and the Council of Torah Sages opted for a smaller-scale update, keeping most of the parliamentary core intact. Yinon Azoulay was promoted to second place, directly behind Deri, after the departures of Ya'akov Margi and Moshe Arbel. The most notable newcomer is Lt.-Col. (Res.) Dror Amos, head of the Haifa Religious Services Board, who was placed in the sixth spot. Amos served in the IDF for 25 years and founded Chesed Chaim V'Emet, an organization assisting bereaved families. Following the October 7 massacre, he founded the "Kaddish for Every Holy Soul" initiative. His high position underscores Shas's strategic focus on military conscription for the ultra-Orthodox, a key election issue. Senior lawmakers Yoav Ben-Tzur and Moshe Abutbul, rumored to be facing dismissal, secured viable positions. The second new face is Yosef Elnatanov, representing the Bukharan Jewish community, placed 11th. The Haredi Public party also unveiled its list, with Moti Leitner, Asher Freddy, Dr. Nechumi Yaffe, and Ziva Glantz in the top four slots.