Shas Reaffirms Netanyahu Support and Rules Out Other Coalition Talks

Shas reaffirmed its support for Benjamin Netanyahu to form the government on Tuesday, November 10, and said it was not negotiating with anyone else. The party issued its clarification following recent interviews and remarks. Shas said its Council of Torah Sages had instructed it to recommend Netanyahu to the president, following his commitment to pass legislation regulating the status of yeshiva students. The party said: “Shas continues to support Netanyahu and is not conducting negotiations with any other party.” The clarification follows a November 8 statement by Shas chairman Rabbi Aryeh Deri about his role in the movement. Deri said the Council had instructed him the preceding week to remain chairman and that he had accepted its decision. He outlined plans for extensive tours across the country to strengthen contact with party representatives, activists and the public. To carry out that work, Deri said he had requested and received the Council’s agreement to give up his place on the party’s Knesset list for younger representatives with parliamentary experience. He said he would continue holding weekly faction meetings, directing the party’s MKs and overseeing its legislation and committee work.