The Council of Torah Sages of Shas has approved the party’s list for the 26th Knesset, retaining its current Knesset members while adding several new candidates. Party leader Aryeh Deri will head the list, while one of the most notable changes is the placement of reservist Lt. Col. (res.) Dror Amos in sixth place, ahead of several sitting lawmakers.
Shas has sought over the years to strengthen its ties with Israel’s serving public, but the decision to give a reservist officer such a prominent position comes amid criticism from parts of the serving public over the party’s support for the proposed conscription law. Amos, who was appointed last year as chairman of the religious council in Haifa, had recently been mentioned as a possible candidate for the slot traditionally reserved for an army representative on the Shas list. He was ultimately placed sixth.
Another newcomer is Yosef Alnathanov, a representative of the Bukharan community, who was placed 11th on the list. Shas said following the approval of the roster that “alongside the continued activity of the sitting Knesset members, new forces will be integrated to work together to strengthen Jewish identity."
The final list places Deri first, followed by Yinon Azoulai in second and Michael Malkiyali in third. Yoav Ben Zur is fourth, Chaim Biton fifth, and Amos sixth.
Moshe Abutbul was placed seventh, Uriel Buso eighth, Yosef Taieb ninth and Yonatan Mishraki tenth. Alnathanov is 11th, followed by Erez Malul in 12th and Semion Moshiashvili in 13th.
The list was finalized after the Council of Torah Sages held discussions throughout the week on the candidates and their placements. At a meeting earlier this week, the council decided to retain all sitting Knesset members while determining their positions alongside the addition of new candidates.