The great reconciliation in Shas is underway: one surprising event ruined the show

The reconciliation between Shas chairman Aryeh Deri and Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef entered a test week, after a protest incident involving MK Malkieli overshadowed the understandings. Deri and Rabbi Yosef agreed on a division of roles: Rabbi Yosef will guide the movement on spiritual issues, and Deri will continue to lead on the political front. The central dispute remains the conscription of Haredim into the IDF.

The reconciliation between Shas chairman Aryeh Deri and Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef has begun, but a protest incident involving MK Malkieli overshadowed the show. The understandings between the sides include recognition of Rabbi Yosef's spiritual status as continuing his father Rabbi Ovadia Yosef's legacy, while Deri continues to lead on the political front. Rabbi Moshe Maya stated in a letter that the Rishon LeZion will guide the movement according to Rabbi Ovadia's legacy, and gave backing to Deri. However, the deep dispute remains over the conscription of young Haredim into the IDF. Rabbi Yosef presented a firm line against conscription, and within Shas it was said that the party will make regulating the status of yeshiva students a central demand for the next government. The incident involving Malkieli showed that anger in the field has not disappeared, and the reconciliation at the top did not eliminate opposition among groups protesting the conscription law. The reconciliation has for now resolved the crisis between the two power centers, but the real test is whether the agreements will reduce opposition in the field.