Tensions between Deri and the Council of Torah Sages - and the agreements just before the launch of the Shas campaign

Shas chairman Aryeh Deri and Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef reached agreements ahead of the election campaign launch, following tensions over disputes between party representatives in the government and the Council of Torah Sages. The agreement includes recognition of the rabbi as his father's successor, but without the council presidency, and Shas's demand for a conscription law before forming the next coalition.

Shas chairman Aryeh Deri and Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef reached agreements today (Thursday) ahead of the party's election campaign launch. The two met in an attempt to calm tensions, following disputes between Shas representatives in the government and the party's Council of Torah Sages. The agreement includes Shas's recognition of Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef as the successor of his father, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, but without granting him the council presidency. Additionally, Shas will demand a conscription law before forming the next coalition and entering the government. Shas is expected to launch its election campaign this evening at an activists' conference in Holon. The campaign includes signs with the verse "I have chosen the way of faith" and a photo of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef alongside the Western Wall and the Israeli flag. Notably absent from the photos are the current council members, including Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef. Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef was invited to the evening gathering to present an image of party unity. Shas attempted to compensate for the statements emerging from the party and the conscription law storm with a video of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef blessing IDF soldiers.