Shas

Haredi MKs: No reason to do infrastructure work this Shabbat

After police announce road closures on Shabbat, Haredi MKs protest 'trampling' of Shabbat's honor.

Deri: I would not oppose sitting in a Lapid government

Shas head Aryeh Deri says that he would sit in a government with Yair Lapid, but Netanyahu would still be favored candidate for PM.

New poll: Yesh Atid rises, Shas collapses

Channel 1 poll finds that Lapid's party would win 27 seats if elections were held today. Likud down to 23, Shas barely passes the threshold.

Shabbat crisis: Haredi position split

Shas head Aryeh Deri promises no coalition crisis over Shabbat construction, causing disgruntled UTJ MKs to weigh their options.

Justice Ministry demands more women in religious councils

New directive outlines minimal representation of women on councils, says at least 1/3 of of council members must be women.

Most Shabbat railway work cancelled

At the request of the haredi parties, 17 out of 20 railway infrastructure projects that were to be carried out on Shabbat are cancelled.

Coalition crisis averted as Shabbat work on train lines limited

Netanyahu orders Shabbat work on train lines restricted to potentially life-threatening situations.

Haredi ultimatum: Our Shabbat, or your coalition

The heads of the haredi parties have given Netanyahu 24 hours to end the train works on Shabbat, or they will break the government.

Transportation Minister: Shabbat violations - not my department

"I can't get involved in train works which take place on Shabbat"

'Haredim are our allies, I won't betray them'

'The haredi public is right-wing,' says Bennett. 'We have a firm, lasting alliance with them.'

Haim Amsalem: Jewish Home the 'natural place for Sephardim'

Former maverick Shas MK Rabbi Haim Amsalem explains to Arutz Sheva his decision to join the Jewish Home party.

Rabbi Haim Amsalem joins Jewish Home party

Rabbi Haim Amsalem, formerly of Shas and Am Shalem, joins Jewish Home. Says he was motivated by their concern for Sephardim.

Former Shas MK David Tal dies at 66

Israeli politician and a four-time member of the Knesset, David Tal, has died following a serious illness at the age of 66.

Chief rabbis warn Netanyahu: No deals with Reform movement

Rabbis Yosef and Lau say Reform movement must not gain influence in Israel, especially at the Western Wall.

Shas leader clarifies 'Amalek' comment against Jewish Home

'I love all Jews; everything I said was out of love', Rabbi Cohen tells Bennett during Shiva visit.

Wife of Shas spiritual leader hospitalized in serious condition

Family calls on public to pray for wife of Rabbanit Yael Cohen, wife of Rabbi Shalom Cohen.

Haredi parties advance bill to exempt yeshivas from property tax

Proposal to reach Knesset Assembly on Wednesday. Interior Ministry agrees to cover the cost.

Desperate efforts to end Shas coalition crisis

Coalition chair meets Deri in attempt to end boycott over Channel 10 head's alleged racist comments, slams 'inappropriate remarks.'

'I hate Aryeh Deri'

Channel 10 scandal: New head insists 'they framed me'

Sadan says Haaretz report faked racist remarks to oust him, denies friendship with Netanyahu landed the job.

Exposé: Shas jobs 'all in the family' - Deri's family

Shas chairman Aryeh Deri has been appointing several relatives and cronies to government positions, news agency reveals.

Haredi parties breaking up? MK says 'all options on the table'

Degel HaTorah, Agudah factions of UTJ considering split. MK Maklev claims 'all options are on the table,' including joint run with Shas.

Ousted Shas MK decries 'discrimination' against Deri

Special interview: Former MK Nissim Ze'ev - whom Deri personally ousted - rushes to the minister's defense.

Shas spiritual leader to Aryeh Deri: 'Keep up your holy work'

Deri asks police to speed up their investigation into his activities 'in order to remove any doubts.'

Not just Deri: Second senior politician probed for corruption

After Deri was named, report indicates second senior politician is being investigated for corruption since last elections.

Social Justice: Israel’s newest political party - for Sephardim

New political movement declares it's time for 'second Israel' to have its turn.

Knesset welcomes new haredi MK

Former Bnei Brak city council member Yigal Guetta of Shas sworn into musical chair-like 34th Knesset.

Deri 'naturally' back as Interior Minister after ruling it out

Ex-Shas spokesperson explains Deri's response to criticism as he returns to post, 22 years after he abused it taking bribes and was jailed.

First openly-gay Likud MK responds to haredi snub

Likud's newest MK, Amir Ohana, says he'd be delighted if haredi MKs continued to absent themselves from his Knesset speeches.

Yishai, Marzel: Shas activist's 'libel' lost us the election

Yachad party candidates sue Shas activist over charges his rumor-mongering damaged party's chances of passing electoral threshold.

Govt. approves zero-VAT on public transportation

The government made two major compromises with its coalition partners in order to ensure that the state budget is passed by Wednesday.

Yishai rejects Deri's reconciliation offer

Yishai says Shas chairman's offer is nothing but a political spin.

Deri makes surprising reconciliation offer to Yishai

In huge political curve ball, Shas head proposes Yishai disband Yachad and return, offering to cover his campaign debts.

'Deri has seven mandates, is doing zero work'

Yachad head Yishai condemns Shas head for quitting Economics Ministry, and ignoring his campaign promises to the poor.

Bill: Ban Parties Who Don't Include Women from the Knesset

Bill on the table to ban parties from Knesset which refuse to include women - a practice notably and consistently held by haredi parties.

Sources: Shabbat Train Shutdown Part of Deri's Personal Agenda

Transport Ministry officials say latest decision reflects Economy Minister's tendency to 'shirk all responsibilities.'

Uproar Over Train Shutdown for Shabbat

Israel rail workers aghast at Economy Ministry decision to shut down maintenance work on Shabbat noting travelers could be stranded.

Shas Official Accused of Years-Long Sexual Abuse

Israel Police are considering indicting a senior Shas employee suspected of sexually abusing his 33-year-old relative for 12 years.

Haredi Paper Attacks 'Rebellious' Conversion Court Backers

Yom Leyom, the voice of haredi party Shas, comes out strongly against conversion courts that circumvent the Rabbinate.

Minister Calls to Bring Haredi Extremists to Justice

Economics Minister Aryeh Deri condemns mob which injured firemen on Sunday, saying they should be prosecuted to full extent of the law.

New Kosher Law to Shore Up 'Holes' in Supervision

A new law that would significantly restrict the definition of 'kosher' at food establishments was approved for legislation Sunday.

Edelstein: Coalition 'Could Change Soon,' Maybe for the Better?

Prime Minister Netanyahu worked hard to put together his coalition - but it is likely to change, said Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein.

Special interview

Rabbi Riskin: Reform or Orthodox, We Must Embrace Every Jew

Rabbi Shlomo Riskin slams Shas minister for remarks against Reform Jews, asserts 'we can only bring people closer to Torah through love.'

Rabbi: Repeal of Conversion Law Will Encourage Intermarriage

The government on Sunday canceled the conversion reform law Sunday - to the dismay of Rabbi David Stav of the Tzohar organization.

Jewish Home Enraged by Approval of Shas 'Reforms'

Jewish Home officials slam Likud for stealing Religious-Zionist votes in last election and now doing everything to service haredi parties.

Will Shas Turn Back the Clock on Rabbinate Reforms?

Conversion law may be overturned and Religious Affairs Ministry to take control of rabbinical courts, should Shas reforms pass.

Kosher Food Labels Cooking Up a Coalition Crisis

Fight between Shas and Kulanu could turn into the first major coalition crisis for Binyamin Netanyahu's relatively new government.

Did Haredi Parties Mislead Herzog on Left-Wing Government?

Did haredi parties mislead Yitzhak Herzog about their intention to form a coalition with them? Zionist Union leader isn't sure.

Enough is enough

Government Vows to End Arab Desecration of Ancient Cemetery

Religious Affairs Min. says doubling security budget for Mount of Olives is part of Shas coalition deal; 'Jews afraid to bury their dead.'

Yishai: Deri Turned Shas Into North Korea

Dealing with campaign debt, Yishai rules out rapprochement with 'dictator' Deri, says he was too 'soft' on him.

What Will Happen to Jewish Home's Jewish Identity Program?

Jewish Home launched program to teach more Torah to the wider public, but Shas being in control could see a backtrack, Rabbi says.

A-G: It Will be Difficult to Defend Deri Appointment

Attorney General Weinstein says it will be difficult for him to defend Deri's appointment as Economy Minister to the Supreme Court.

Shas Coalition Deal Includes Synagogues, Haredi Housing

Shas has succeeded in 'rolling back the clock' on many of the 'edicts' from the previous government, its coalition agreement shows.

Herzog: PM Dug Himself a Pit, I Will Not Throw Him a Rope

Labor leader Yitzhak Herzog insists Netanyahu should not count on him to bail out latest government when push comes to shove.

Lapid: 'Suckers' Lose Again as Yeshiva Students to Get IDF Pass

Yesh Atid MKs and supporters conducted a protest against the expected repeal of sanctions on yeshiva students who don't serve in the IDF.

Shas, Likud Sign Coalition Agreement

Under agreement, Deri to be appointed Economy Minister; Shas to receive two Ministries and several deputy positions.

Jewish Home, Shas Mulling Deal to 'Split' Religious Affair Min.

Who will be in charge of the Ministry of Religious Affairs has become the last major sticking point for Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.

Clock Ticking on Coalition Talks

As deadline looms, Likud's major problem is finding a solution to Religious Affairs debate as well as keeping Yisrael Beytenu in line.

Deri: I Will Not Accept a Deputy Minister from Jewish Home

Shas chairman Aryeh Deri says Religious Affairs Ministry will remain squarely in hands of Shas, with no interference from Jewish Home.

Netanyahu, Deri Set to Meet: Deal Imminent?

After deals were closed with UTJ and Kulanu, Shas appears to be next to sign onto Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's new government.

Source: Plenty of 'Jobs' Left for Likud MKs

Likud MKs have expressed concern that there will be nothing left over for them - but a party source promised them at least 12 ministries.