Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri Weighs Retirement Following Major Election Setback
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Shas chairman Aryeh Deri is reportedly considering stepping down from political leadership after the party suffered a major setback in Israel's Knesset elections, dropping from 11 seats to just six.
According to Israeli media reports, Deri is weighing several options, including retiring from politics entirely, resigning from the Knesset while remaining Shas chairman, or taking a senior leadership role while appointing a new party chairman.
Senior Rabbanim affiliated with Shas have visited Deri in recent days to offer chizuk and encourage him to remain in his position. An initiative is also underway to publish a letter expressing rabbinical support for his continued leadership.
However, sources close to Deri have disputed reports that he intends to resign, and some party officials have publicly criticized the discussions surrounding his future.
No official resignation or final decision has been announced.